Spotlight: Juna Mathema

Juna Mathema of Nepal co-founded Blitz Media, a top advertising and research agency in Kathmandu. She participated in GAP Charlotte in May 2017, matched with mentor Moira Quinn, chief operating officer at Charlotte City Center Partners. Together, they worked on strategies for improving business operations and financial management of Blitz. They also considered ways to promote entrepreneurship in Nepal, extending their mentorship even after the program with frequent Skype calls.

The experience opened Juna’s eyes to new possibilities for change in Nepal, and during the week, she said, “I rediscovered myself.”

Juna and Moira together in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 2017

After GAP Charlotte, Juna returned home ready to put her new skills to work both at her agency and in her community. Advocacy for women’s economic opportunity and empowerment was a top priority.

“I am finally paying it forward and it’s a very satisfying feeling.”

Juna enrolled a record number of women entrepreneurs to the Nepali Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum (NYEF), an organization she’s long been a part of, attending often as the sole woman among 80 male members. “My goal is to bring in 11 more women, for a total of 20 women members.”

The business community in Nepal is taking notice of Juna’s considerable influence and leadership. She recently served as an instructor for the Enterprise – Nepal Business Accelerator Program, leading a training on research best practices.

Juna leads a training on research best practices in Kathmandu

Juna was also a judge for the Slush Global Impact Accelerator – part of a team that selected three Nepali companies to advance to the global pitching competition in Finland.

“I have been silently thanking the Global Ambassadors Program since I’ve come back… I cannot thank you and your team enough for planning this incredible program and making me a part of it. I will strive to pass on the things that I’ve learned and will try to bring positive changes in the lives of the women and women leaders around me.”