Meet Our Leadership
Our board brings together decades of experience in mountaineering, nonprofit service, and work with Nepal’s communities—united by a commitment to educational opportunity.
Todd Burleson
Todd is one of the Foundation’s original founders and has been involved for more than 16 years. He brings over 30 years of experience climbing and working with the people of Nepal.
His commitment to indigenous communities and access to quality education has inspired his work creating scholarships, building schools, and fundraising. Alpine Ascents International covers the Foundation’s administrative fees so donations go directly to its programs.
Gordon Janow
Gordon has spent more than 30 years travelling Asia’s backroads as a guide and through personal exploration. He has served as a Nepal and India expert for media outlets including The New York Times, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Outside, and The Wall Street Journal.
He supports environmental causes, has volunteered with USA Hockey, and has a longstanding commitment to the Sherpa people and expanding the Foundation’s reach.
Dané Burleson
Dané has experience working with and fundraising for charities supporting healthcare, meals for people experiencing homelessness, education, and the arts.
After visiting a school serving Foundation-sponsored children in Nepal in 2009, she became deeply committed to the work. She has helped raise funds, supported medical supplies for doctors in Nepal, and participated in community discussions that led to the Shree Himalaya Nursery School in Namche Bazaar.
Jiban Ghimire
Jiban has 34 years of experience in Himalayan trekking, mountaineering, and expedition logistics, supporting expeditions across Nepal, including Everest, since 1992.
His work connects international adventurers with Nepal’s mountains and communities. He is committed to expedition safety, responsible logistics, educational opportunities for mountain children, and support for families of mountain workers.
Carole Tejas
Carole has trekked and climbed around the world, spending much of her time in the Himalayas. Her work as a guide and travels throughout Nepal have fostered deep respect for its people and a belief in education’s power to shape children’s futures.
She also volunteers with organizations working to combat food insecurity and supports the Foundation’s mission to expand educational opportunities for children in Nepal.
Gary Harrington
Gary manages the Foundation’s administration and finances. He joined after spending nearly a decade working with international nonprofits in Thailand, Haiti, Holland, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom.