As the President of Youth Initiative, Anita Thapa works on the issues of human rights, democratization, governance, peace building and civic leadership which focus on action based civics. She brings an extensive background in developing community, youth and education programs. She has many years of experience
in designing and running civic related programs and campaigns for young people in Nepal and in South and South East Asia. In 2011, she was awarded Community Solutions Program Fellowship by U.S Department of State. During her four months fellowship, she worked with non -profit organization called Civic Education Project based in Boston, Massachusetts which trains and educates students and youth to resolve conflicts and address a wide range of issues inside and outside school together with teachers, administrators and community members using a collaborative circle process for peace building. Her recent work in Nepal is focusing on building Civic Schools that encourages adolescent girls to take active roles in leadership and civics.

Anita received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2007 from Pokhara University and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Women Studies from Tribhuwan University. She also studied Conflict Resolution and Tolerance through the International Research and Exchange Board, USA.