Odessa Dwarika Selected as First Executive Director of Jhamtse International

The Jhamtse International Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Odessa Dwarika as the organization’s first Executive Director. The selection was made after a national search and selection process involving more than 50 candidates. “Odessa’s warm personality and dedication to helping people in need since early childhood, coupled with her outstanding record in non-profit leadership give us confidence that she will enable Jhamtse International to grow its ability to improve individual lives and the world through the active practice of love and compassion.”

Jhamtse International was founded in Acton in 2003, under the leadership of Tibetan monk, Lobsang Phuntsok, who established Buddhist study and meditation groups in Concord and Worcester. The primary outreach project is Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community, featured in the 2016 Emmy winning documentary “Tashi and the Monk.” The mission of Jhamtse International is to end suffering, spread happiness, and build a better world through the practice of the universal principles of love, compassion, and wisdom

Odessa Dwarika, who lives in Maynard, brings over 20 years of experience working to support healthy and equitable communities in the US and abroad. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Brandeis University and a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University. Odessa brings her heartfelt passion for the wellbeing of those most vulnerable, along with her skills in management, fundraising and communications to her new role as Executive Director. Odessa was Project Director at the Boston Public Health Commission specializing in Health Policy for 10 years. Most recently she has spent 5 years running Emergency Services programs for BayCove, serving over 1000 homeless and addicted individuals a year in the Greater Boston area. Inspired by the Popular Education movement of Paolo Freire and Catholic Liberation Theology, Odessa spent much of her early 20's living and working in rural Latin America. In addition to her love of travel, Odessa is certified as a Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher and is mother to a 12 year old boy and a 6 year old step-daughter.

"As Executive Director, I will focus on tapping into diverse funding streams with the goal of growing and sustaining Jhamtse International and sharing its lessons of love and compassion with the world." remarks Odessa. "After viewing “Tashi and the Monk,” I knew that I belonged with Jhamtse International. I look forward to walking on this journey with the many who have been inspired by Lobsang Phuntsoks' healing vision and the amazing children that he serves." Odessa will begin her tenure on January 3, 2017 and can be reached via e-mail at odessa@jhamtse.org

For more information please contact Mark Foley, President, Jhamtse International

Mark@Jhamtse.org

1-978-502-6452