PORTRAIT 2
Sunita Sharma
A model of kindness in action
Karuna has been more than just an organization to me—it has been a space of growth, purpose, and a lifelong commitment to service.
For Sunita, a native of Nepal and a steadfast leader at Karuna-Shechen, the balance between her core values and her career is a lived reality. Over more than a decade in the development field, she has evolved from a passionate young intern into the Country Director, channeling her innate compassion into tangible change. Her journey is marked by a continuous quest to merge her personal commitment to empathy with the responsibilities of leadership—a pursuit that has not only enriched her own life but also transformed countless communities. As we celebrate 25 years of Karuna-Shechen, Sunita’s story stands as a powerful testament to the impact of aligning one’s inner values with professional purpose.
We reached out to Sunita to hear more about her journey and the impact of her work.
It has been 3 years since you have started working for Karuna-Shechen. When you think back to your very first steps with us, how do you feel?
Sunita : I have been working as a development professional since the young age of 18, traveling across Nepal to serve communities in need. In 2022, life brought me to a crossroads where my personal role demanded that I rethink being away from my family. I found myself searching not just for a job but for a space where I could continue my passion for helping others while also being closer to my loved ones. To be very honest, that was the most difficult phase of my life—both emotionally and psychologically. I wasn’t just seeking employment; I was yearning for a place where I could find comfort, heal, and still serve with the same dedication.
It was my karma—my good karma—that led me to Karuna. I cannot express enough gratitude to the universe for this opportunity, for giving me a place where my heart feels at home while continuing to touch lives with kindness and compassion
Understanding that you wanted that above all you were looking for a job where you could fulfill yourself both professionally and personally, what would you say Karuna has brought to your life?
Sunita : Karuna has enriched my life with deeper values, reinforcing the power of kindness and compassion that I have carried within me for years. It has given me a space where I cannot only practice these virtues but also inspire and uplift others through meaningful service. Being a part of Karuna has allowed me to transform my passion into purpose, making a real difference in the lives of those in need.
Today, I feel truly blessed to have found Karuna—a space where my personal values align perfectly with my work. Here, I can embrace my true self, lead with compassion, and make a meaningful impact without compromising the principles I hold dear.
At Karuna-Shechen, we place beneficiary-led development at the heart of what we do, in order to help them become as empowered as possible. We are particularly committed to placing women’s empowerment at the core of our strategy, recognizing that supporting women as changemakers strengthens entire communities. How do you see your role in empowering others?
To me, empowerment means having the confidence, support, and freedom to embrace my true potential while uplifting those around me. It is about being seen, heard, and valued—not just for what I do, but for who I am."
Sunita : As a woman who leads an organization and her team, I see my role as not just a leader, but as a source of strength, inspiration, and support for those around me. I believe in leading by example—showing resilience in the face of challenges, lifting others as I rise, and creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued. Empowering others means believing in their potential even when they don’t see it themselves, offering guidance, opportunities, and a hand to hold through struggles. Change begins with small acts of kindness, courage, and unwavering commitment, and I strive to be a catalyst for that change—fostering a community where everyone, regardless of background, can dream bigger and stand taller together.
Considering that your work as a director is quite demanding both emotionally and in terms of time, can you tell us about a challenge you faced? How did you overcome it?
Sunita : One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my journey is navigating deep-seated perceptions about authority and influence. At times, I have had to assert myself more than my other (male) counterparts to be heard or taken seriously, especially in decision-making spaces. Additionally, balancing empathy and strength—often seen as opposing traits—has been crucial in leading with authenticity. I have overcome these obstacles by staying rooted in my values: leading with integrity, listening with compassion, and proving my capabilities through action rather than words. By fostering a culture of collaboration and respect, I have been able to break barriers and build trust, showing that leadership is not about power but about purpose. My journey has reinforced my belief that true influence comes from lifting others and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
The greatest wealth I have gained in life is not material but the deep relationships I have built with the community—especially with girls and women. Seeing their trust in me, their belief in my journey, and their willingness to see me as a role model strengthens my commitment even more.
Given your position within Karuna-Shechen, you have a great overview of all the organization's activities. How have you seen Karuna's holistic approach make a difference in communities?
Sunita : Karuna-Shechen’s holistic approach has made a profound difference in the communities by addressing not just one aspect of development but multiple interconnected needs. By integrating health and hygiene, education, skills training, food security, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, we create a foundation for long-term, sustainable change. I have witnessed how access to quality healthcare has improved the well-being of families, how education and skill-building programs have opened doors for individuals, and how women’s empowerment initiatives have strengthened entire communities. More importantly, our approach goes beyond service delivery—it nurtures self-reliance, confidence, and dignity within people. The ripple effect is remarkable; when one person is empowered, they uplift others around them. This is the true impact of Karuna’s work—creating not just short-term relief, but lasting transformation in people’s lives.
Karuna's holistic approach translates into various areas of intervention, but also into empathy, resilience and the merging of collective actions to create transformational leadership. Could you share a concrete example of its impact?
Sunita : For example, one woman endured severe health issues including uterine prolapse and fistula, which led to deep social isolation and loss of dignity. Recognizing her suffering, we arranged for her transport to Kathmandu where she received free surgery and over a month of compassionate care. This support not only healed her physically but also restored her confidence and reintegrated her into her community. This brief but impactful intervention is just one instance of how our comprehensive model nurtures self-reliance and creates a positive ripple effect throughout the community. Our approach goes beyond service delivery—it nurtures self-reliance, confidence, and dignity within people.
As I understand it, this moment shows just how much Karuna-Shechen wants to help communities in the long term. What is your own vision for the future of your community in Nepal?
Sunita : My vision for the future of my community in Nepal is one where people recognize their own inner power and potential to create change. I believe that true transformation happens when individuals are empowered with the right tools, knowledge, and opportunities to take charge of their own development. My role in this journey is not just to provide support but to help communities realize their strengths and resilience, fostering a sense of ownership in shaping their future.
Beyond community-driven initiatives, I see strong collaboration with government stakeholders as essential in creating sustainable change. By working hand in hand with local and national authorities, we can ensure that impactful programs are integrated into policies and scaled for long-term impact.
Rather than imposing external solutions, we listen, co-create, and build local capacities—so that when we step back, the progress continues.
As part of Karuna-Shechen, I am committed not only to contributing to Nepal’s growth but also to being part of a global movement for positive change. Our work is deeply rooted in compassion and interconnectedness, and I strive to strengthen our collective efforts—learning from best practices, sharing our experiences, and collaborating across borders to create a more just, inclusive, and empowered world for all.
