MACHIK TEAM
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DR. LOSANG RABGEY
Machik Weekend Co-Curator Born a Tibetan refugee in India and raised in Canada, Dr Losang Rabgey is the first Tibetan with a PhD in Gender Anthropology. She is the first Tibetan Commonwealth Scholar and National Geographic Explorer. In 1998, she and her sister Dr Tashi Rabgey co-founded Machik with their parents as a nonprofit whose mission is to grow a global community committed to a stronger future for Tibet. In 20+ years, Machik has mentored and supported education for thousands of people in Tibet and in diaspora, mostly girls and women. Machik’s work currently centers on civic engagement, gender equity and social innovation. Programs include Machik Fest, a global platform for bridging global divides, Machik Gender Summit, Machik Khabda, and more. Machik also works with social innovators inside Tibet focused on education, film, conservation, health, etc. Dr Rabgey and her sister were recognized by Harvard University as Women Inspiring Change, along with others including Stacey Abrams, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Dr Rabgey and her family received the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor-General of Canada. She recently became member of the Explorers Club 50 and is a member of the Review Committee of the Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grants. She is a frequent public speaker, including at Yale, Harvard, UC Santa Cruz, and the Nobel Peace Forum. |
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DR. TASHI RABGEY
Machik Weekend Co-Curator Dr Tashi Rabgey is a Research Professor of International Affairs at the Elliott School, specializing in Tibet, China and the politics of statehood and governance. Through interdisciplinary research initiatives she has led on public policy and governance in Tibet, Professor Rabgey's work has enabled the development of new inquiries into the institutional structure and process of the People's Republic of China's policymaking in Tibet. She currently directs the Tibet Governance Lab and the Research Initiative on Multination States (RIMS) at George Washington University through which she has been developing comparative regional studies of the Basque Country, Kurdistan and other case studies of regional autonomy. Before joining the Elliott School, Tashi Rabgey was a lecturer in contemporary Tibetan studies at the University of Virginia where she was also co-director of the UVa Tibet Center. Committed life-long to community empowerment, she has traveled extensively to remote regions across Tibet over the past three decades. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University in political and legal anthropology, as well as law degrees from Oxford and Cambridge where she studied as the first Tibetan Rhodes scholar. She was a Fellow in the Public Intellectuals Program of the National Committee on US-China Relations from 2011-2013. Rabgey is currently Visiting Professor at the University of Kurdistan in the KRG (Kurdistan Region of Iraq). |
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TENZIN DOLMA
Machik Weekend Co-Chair Tenzin Dolma was born in Tibet and left for education in India around eight years old. After completing her schooling at TCV Schools, she earned degrees in BBA Travel and Tourism Management from Christ University, Master of Commerce from St Joseph's College of Commerce, and MSc. International Business from IESEG School of Management. During her college days, she served as a member of the student council, student groups and volunteered as a local host for Machik events in the past. She enjoys reading, traveling, photography, hiking, and painting. |
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Nordron
Machik Weekend Co-Chair
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VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
It takes a dedicated team of people to make Machik Weekend a reality, year to year. We are blessed once again with a truly talented and committed core team who have been working for weeks to actuate the first hybrid Machik Weekend! Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each team member for contributing their time, talent and heart to co-create a rich program of speakers, panels, meals, music, screenings, workshops, and so on. Pivoting once again, this year our determined team has been learning how to bring you a hybrid program.
In huge part, it is this team's invaluable contribution that keeps the cost of Machik Weekend accessible to a broad global Machik community. Please join us in thanking them! We are truly grateful for all past and present volunteers who are themselves vital changemakers.
In huge part, it is this team's invaluable contribution that keeps the cost of Machik Weekend accessible to a broad global Machik community. Please join us in thanking them! We are truly grateful for all past and present volunteers who are themselves vital changemakers.
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SHAOKYI AMDO
Food Coordinator Shaokyi Amdo is a Communications Manager at Twitter focused on machine learning/ethical AI, technology infrastructure, accessibility, and other emergent issues in tech. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2018 with a Creative Writing major and a double minor in Economics and Corporate Strategy. While in college, she served on the executive board of Vanderbilt's nationally recognized Alternative Spring Break program. She also co-founded Project YETI in 2017, which uses virtual mentorship to connect Tibetan-Americans pursuing higher education, and served on the planning committee of Machik Weekend 2019 as Community Co-Chair. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her cat, Olo, and her dog, Norbu. |
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TENZIN CHOKKI
Outreach Coordinator Born and raised in India, Tenzin Chokki immigrated to the United States with her family in 2009. While in Boston, she completed her undergraduate studies at Tufts majoring in Child Development & Community Health, and also spent a semester studying in Greece. After graduation, Chokki worked at Machik for three years, honing her skills in program management, graphic design, communications and operations. An ardent advocate for grassroots community change, she is all ears about growing civic engagement, intergenerational connections and a sense of borderless love. In the past, she has helped co-produce an oral history book titled Tibetan Resettlement Stories: Voices of Boston. She recently launched her new project Khawakarpo Press and is excited to produce eco-conscious products that are infused with a multicultural design aesthetic. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors with loved ones. |
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ALEX FOOTE
Merchandise Coordinator Alex Foote first volunteered with Machik’s Summer Enrichment Program and Tibet Governance and Practice Forum. This experience inspired her passion for sustainable development, and now she works for a supply chain technology tech company, helping corporations create more transparent supply chains. |
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PATRICK HAMILTON
Facilitators Coordinator Patrick Hamilton has been involved with Tibet since he first began studying and practicing Buddhism with Ven. Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Geshe Lhundup Sopa in the early 1970s. Since meeting Pencho, Tsering, Tashi and Losang Rabgey in the mid-1990s, he has been a passionate supporter of Machik and its work. With the support of Machik, he visited Lhasa in 2008, walked around Mt. Kang Rinpoche in 2010, and attended three Summer Enrichment Programs (SEP) in Tibet. He has lived in Washington DC since 1980 and runs a boarding house for Machik staff members. Drop by for a steaming cup of Tibetan tea and a bowl of Tsampa! |
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CAITLIN HAYES
Ushers Coordinator Caitlin Hayes is a recent graduate from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa with a Master of Arts in Asian Studies. While living in eastern China prior to study at UH, they spent their winter break backpacking through Gyalthang (known in the West as "Shangrila") on the southern Tibetan Plateau; it was here where they were first introduced to traditional Tibetan lifeways, observing the nuanced intersection of Tibetan culture with Chinese and Western tourism imaginations. Since then, they have fostered a deep academic and personal interest in traditional Tibetan lifeways, cultural and ecological tourism, and environmental activism. Caitlin is honored to have been given the opportunity to provide support to Machik Weekend and its mission of fostering cultural connections among Tibetan communities all across the globe. |
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KIM KASTON
Registration Coordinator & Stage Manager Kim had a dual-career in aerospace and entertainment, and is currently a choreographer for Disney Live Entertainment. She was also a senior manager in communications, supporting enterprise supply chain for a leading aviation and aerospace company. She has extensive experience in supply chain processes, communications, knowledge management, project management; along with event design and production for executive supplier engagements. Kim is also a Board Director for the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) and is involved in other nonprofit organizations. She has traveled extensively to over 60 countries in six continents and has a keen interest in cultural diplomacy and cultural exploration. Kim has a BA in Sociology from UCLA; a Master in Communication Management [M.C.M.] from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism; and a certificate in Public Diplomacy from the Summer Institute, USC Center on Public Diplomacy Summer Institute, and an executive certificate in Nonprofit Fund Development from the Mendoza School of Business, University of Notre Dame. |
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TARA LANGRI
Graphics Coordinator & Community Curator Tara Chökyi Langri did a B.A. in Sociology with a double minor in Politics & Religions and is currently studying Social Work at McGill University. Her areas of interest include intergenerational trauma & counselling. She has been volunteering at Machik for the past few years. |
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NORI LATIF
Virtual Platform Coordinator Nori Latif was born in Queens, NY, and grew up in Northern Virginia. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia with a major in English and minor in East Asian Studies. In the summer of 2019, she traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal, as part of an international study abroad trip. While living in Kathmandu for three months, Nori stayed with a Tibetan host family and studied colloquial Tibetan. Currently, she works remotely as a technical writer on cybersecurity. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting museums in DC, discovering new music, and attending concerts. |
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MARTHA MILLER
Facilitators Coordinator Martha Miller's family traveled often in her childhood, and so, her early interest in cross-cultural communication was later incorporated into a unique skill set of skills and competencies. As a management consultant, she has worked long focused on managing diversity, creating effective work teams, and cross-cultural communication. Her clients include the Center for Disease Control, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Twitter, and more. Dr. Miller received her Ph.D. from Harvard University. She taught for seven years at Yale's School of Organization and Management and later became the Associate Dean. Dr Miller also was the editor of the Journal of Small Group Research, has published numerous articles and was Associate Dean for MBA Programs at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. She now lives in Washington, D.C. where she works as a consultant on leadership and cross-cultural management and teaches Executive Education programs for UCLA, the Brookings Institution, and other organizations. |
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TENZIN NORDON
Registration Coordinator Tenzin Nordon has worked in the youth development, college access, and community development sectors since 2008. She brings a strong ability to communicate, network, and work effectively with a diverse range of people. She possesses extensive experience in the leadership and management of people, processes, and events. Nordon was born and raised in Chandigarh, India until she immigrated to the United States with her family in 1998. Since then, she has been studying, living, and working in Minnesota. Her previous work in the Tibetan community led her to co-found Lamton (a college access program) in 2008 where she served as a board member for over 10 years. Last July, she completed two years of service as the Education Chair for the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. This fall, she continues serving another term on the Lamton board. Nordon obtained her B.A. in Biology from Carleton College in 2011. She obtained her M.A. in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University in 2020. Her master's thesis is titled "Women Beyond Tea: Fostering Tibetan Women Leaders of Tomorrow." She describes her research on Tibetan Women Leaders in a podcast episode titled "Fostering Women Leaders: Learnings from a Tibetan Leadership Development Context" |
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REBECCA PARRY
Virtual Platform Coordinator & Community Curator Rebecca Parry (they/them) is a food justice advocate and new farmer based out of British Columbia, Canada. They recently graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and South Asian Studies focusing on critical development and food sovereignty in Tibet and the Himalayan region. They first became involved with Machik as a program intern in 2020 and they are thrilled to be returning as a member of the core organizing team for MW 16. They are always happy to exchange favourite recipes, enthuse about wild edible foods, or tell you about their latest knitting project. |
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TENZIN SANGMO
Green Team Coordinator Sangmo is a Stanford alumna and is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Health. She is very passionate about Tibet and loves all that Machik does in creating a unique space for Tibetans all over the world. |
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DOLKAR TSO
Translation Coordinator Dolkar Tso was born in Tibet, brought up in India, and now lives in New Jersey. She is a student of nursing and also works as a nurse's aide. Dolkar first learned of Machik when she saw a Machik branded cup years ago. After learning more about the work of Machik and wanting to help out in any possible way, she is excited to finally join the team this year and share her experience and learn from others. |
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TENZIN YANGKEY
Green Team Coordinator Tenzin Yangkey is a master’s student pursuing an MA in Geography at the University of Arizona, Tucson. Her broad research interests include cascading effect of climate change in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, human-environment interactions, and the co-production of knowledge with local communities for a resilient climate future. Her current research focuses on climate change impacts on Tibetan refugee pastoralists based in Ladakh, India. Born and raised in India, she attended Tibetan schools there and studied A-Levels in the UK. She is interested in connecting with fellow researchers, students, and enthusiasts to create space for Tibetan and Himalayan voices in the global environmental justice and climate spaces. She can be reached at tenzinygk@gmail.com. |
CHEMI LAMA
Machik Spirit Night Emcee
DAWA SAMPHEL
Co-Emcee |
TENZIN KHAYING
Co-Emcee
Special thanks to the volunteers below whose time and commitment make Machik Weekend possible!
Kirth Bobb, Stephanie Butler, Kunsang Choden, Tenzin Choden, Tenzin Choedon, Dedan Choezom, Tashi Chogyal, Sara Conrad, Jeff Cupchik, Tsering Dekyi, Tsering Dolden, Tashi Dolma, Drukyi, Tenzin Gonsar, Tenzin Dolma Gyalpo, Tenzin Gyaltsen, Bella Hutter, Joe Hutter, Julia Hutter, Sophie Hutter, Tenzin Khaying, Unyong Kim, Chemi Dolkar Lama, Khando Langri, Norzin Lhadon, Dolma Lhamo, Dolma Lhanzom, Kalden Namgyal, Losang Nyima, Alison Roden, Dawa Samphel, Rigzin Taring, Jamyang Tenzin (Canada), Jamyang Tenzin (Nepal), Tenzin Thupten, Kunchok Topgyal, Kunsang Tsephel, Wangmo Tsering, Ngawang Tseten, Tseyang, Tsering Wangmo, Tenzin Yangkee, Yankee, Pema Yangkyi, Shiwa Yangzom, Jason Zeidenberg
Kirth Bobb, Stephanie Butler, Kunsang Choden, Tenzin Choden, Tenzin Choedon, Dedan Choezom, Tashi Chogyal, Sara Conrad, Jeff Cupchik, Tsering Dekyi, Tsering Dolden, Tashi Dolma, Drukyi, Tenzin Gonsar, Tenzin Dolma Gyalpo, Tenzin Gyaltsen, Bella Hutter, Joe Hutter, Julia Hutter, Sophie Hutter, Tenzin Khaying, Unyong Kim, Chemi Dolkar Lama, Khando Langri, Norzin Lhadon, Dolma Lhamo, Dolma Lhanzom, Kalden Namgyal, Losang Nyima, Alison Roden, Dawa Samphel, Rigzin Taring, Jamyang Tenzin (Canada), Jamyang Tenzin (Nepal), Tenzin Thupten, Kunchok Topgyal, Kunsang Tsephel, Wangmo Tsering, Ngawang Tseten, Tseyang, Tsering Wangmo, Tenzin Yangkee, Yankee, Pema Yangkyi, Shiwa Yangzom, Jason Zeidenberg