Maggie Namjou

Maggie Namjou earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Anthropology from Boston University and eventually attended the School for International Training, where she graduated with a Master of International Development. Namjou's academic efforts are notable, but her major life accomplishments occurred outside the world of academia. Maggie Namjou has become an advocate for practical, hands on approaches to individual humanitarian efforts, which serves as inspiration for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Maggie Namjou has provided dedicated humanitarian efforts throughout Nepal for a quarter of a century. From sheltering Kathmandu street children to educating women in the Gorkha district, Namjou has built an impressive human rights career in Nepal.

Namjou is a passionate supporter of anthropological and philanthropic endeavors; she is a member of the American Anthropological Association and an active participant in TED (Technology, Education, and Development) conferences. Maggie Namjou kick-started her career in humanitarian work after college, working for the International Society for Human Rights in Germany. In Germany, Namjou focused her work on women's rights in India and Nepal, which set the stage for later advocacy work. Namjou is fluent in French, German, Hindi and Nepali.

An average path through life was never a choice for Maggie Namjou. She was accepted into Tufts University Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, but after visiting Nepal for the first time, she decided to pursue anthropology and follow her passion for the country and its people. After many years in Nepal, Namjou founded The Rising Child Foundation, and she has since become a regional expert in providing income-generating opportunities for marginalized Nepalese populations.