Niva hails from Kathmandu, Nepal. She has an MBA degree in Finance and Operations. Her professional experience on social mobilization, capacity development and trainings developed her interests on economic development. So, after immigrating to Canada, she pursued her second Master’s degree. She has recently completed her degree on Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph.

Her study interests are rooted in Asset Based Community Development, social enterprise, sustainable development, and community economic development. Niva is interested in understanding community assets of immigrants and using them for their economic development and sustainability. Apart from academics, she is involved as a board member for the Greater Guelph Nepalese Community, a member of Leadership Council at Guelph Wellington Local Immigrant Partnership, and Nepali language interpreter at Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington. She also teaches Nepali language and culture to Nepali children with the Wellington Catholic District School Board. She can be contacted through email at [email protected].