Julian Francis
Principal Adviser
Julian Francis is the Principal Adviser of abunX. He has been deeply involved with the progress and development of Bangladesh since the Liberation War of 1971. Most of the time he has focused on the challenges and solutions of poverty alleviation. He has extensive experience working as team leader in the area of Social Protection to disabled people, disaster preparedness and relief work. In 2012, the Government of Bangladesh awarded him the “Friends of Liberation War Honour” in recognition of his work among the refugees in India in 1971, and in 2018 honoured him with full Bangladesh citizenship. In 2019, Julian was honoured with the British award, OBE, “for services to development in Bangladesh” After many years living and working here, Julian regards Bangladesh as his home and he often shares his thoughts, hopes and aspirations in the print and electronic media.
Email: julianjhf@gmail.com
Makarand
Coach & Facilitator
Makarand Sahasrabuddhe is a world class coach and facilitator of abunX. He is basically a Seasoned Development Professional. He passionately articulates that we live in a world where inequalities in income, wealth, knowledge, and opportunities prevent millions from having a better life. We also live in a resource constrained world. It is therefore imperative that development programs be more impactful, more transformative in that they should be able to change power relations between various actors in favor of, or in ways that will benefit, the powerless. He wants to contribute to this happening through improved program quality. This is why he does what he does. What he has been doing for over 24 years now. On this journey, Makarand’s career has taken numerous twists and turns to land. During this time, he has worked with a wide range of actors including Community Based Organizations, (International) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Government, Private sector, Donors, bi-lateral and multilateral agencies. All the time focusing on how the work they do can become more effective and efficient. Makarand has the experience of convening and facilitating group processes for strategy formulation & designing programs based on robust theories of change, refining program management systems, and promoting & managing multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Email: makarand.sahasrabuddhe@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makarandsahasrabuddhe
Dr. Shankharupa Ashish Damle, a seasoned development specialist with over two decades of experience in championing inclusive societies and uplifting marginalized segments. Holding a PhD from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), she brings expertise cultivated through extensive work across India and South Asian countries like Afghanistan and Nepal.
Throughout her career, Dr. Shankharupa has shown unwavering dedication to advancing social inclusion, particularly in areas of disability rights, gender justice, and juvenile reintegration. She takes pride in her contributions to access audits, ensuring equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Proficient in research methodologies and statistical analysis, she facilitates evidence-based decision-making and efficient program implementation.
Currently, Dr. Shankharupa leads a groundbreaking project focused on enhancing the financial sustainability of social enterprises, aiming to empower marginalized communities economically. With fluency in Bengali and a deep understanding of local cultures, she facilitates successful project implementation in Bangladesh and beyond.
In essence, Dr. Shankharupa Ashish epitomizes a relentless pursuit of inclusive societies and social justice, remaining deeply passionate about driving positive transformation and empowering disadvantaged communities worldwide.
Email:shankharupa.yuva@gmail.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shankharupa-ashish-b82530a/
Erica Shuvra Halder is a seasoned Strategic Management
Consultant with over 14 years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and development program management. She has successfully scaled program value from $0.9M to $9M and is a Master Trainer certified by Traidcraft Exchange Development Unit, UK. Erica has worked with leading international development organizations in Bangladesh, including Swisscontact, World Vision, Oxfam, and Traidcraft Exchange, and has also gained cross-country experience in India, Great Britain, the USA, and Sri Lanka.
She holds an MBA in International Management and a BBA in Management from the University of Dhaka, as well as a second MBA in Corporate Finance from the USA, and professional experience at Wells Fargo Bank.
Her key expertise spans Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, having led multi-partner initiatives connecting NGOs, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. She brings strong Programme Leadership and M&E skills, overseeing program lifecycles from design
through implementation and evaluation. Her experience in Market and Sector Development includes conducting sector assessments, value chain analyses, and implementing inclusive market interventions. Erica is also skilled in Capacity Building and Inclusive Development, developing training programs focused on gender, disability inclusion, and community-centered initiatives. Additionally, she has demonstrated Team Leadership, managing regional and global teams of up to 55 members.
Erica’s blended knowledge of development and private sector contexts, coupled with her adaptive mindset and diverse people management skills, positions her to deliver impactful, scalable, and inclusive solutions across complex programs and partnerships.
Email: shuvradu@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://bd.linkedin.com/in/erica-shuvra-halderr-9576261b
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Aleena Sunny is a dynamic and emotionally intelligent leader, with the exceptional ability to inspire others. With an impressive career spanning over nine years in the financial sector, manufacturing, and consulting, she has consistently excelled in customer service and relationship management. Guided by the philosophy of “Managing by Mind, Leading by Heart,” Aleena has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and evaluating financial projects. Her unwavering commitment to delivering maximum value to her clients is evident in all her endeavors. Aleena holds a prestigious Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, the coveted IIBA Certified Business Analyst (CBAP) credential and brings with her a wealth of experience as a Six Sigma Practitioner. Her qualifications are further bolstered by a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and a Postgraduate Certification in Business Analysis. Aleena’s infectious enthusiasm, collaborative nature, and profound commitment to people uniquely equip her to assist individuals in tapping into their innermost thoughts, crafting solutions to pressing issues, and fostering a peaceful and joyful workplace. She passionately believes in the abundance of opportunities and resources available to address pressing global challenges and is wholeheartedly enthusiastic about utilizing her cross-sector expertise to drive meaningful change. Notably, Aleena is currently enrolled with the Awakenings Institute, where she is completing her certification as a Holistic Healer and Life Coach, further expanding her repertoire of skills and insights. Email: aleena.sunny@yahoo.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleenaelizabeths/ |
Mostafijur Rahman popularly known as Shohag Mostafij is the CEO and Principal Consultant of abunX. He is an author, business strategist and a dynamic facilitator. He has served in 7 International organizations over the years including as the Global CEO of McAndrew Leadership, Business Development & Quality Director at Oxfam, Global Proposal Development Manager of VSO, and Program Manager at Save the Children to name a few. Mostafijur holds an MBA & BBA both from Dhaka University. He did a PGD in HRM through distance learning from the UK. Studied Development Management from the Philippines and Human Rights in Belgium through an ADB & Belgian Government Scholarship, respectively. He believes that embracing a mindset of abundance, creativity and problem solving is the ultimate answer to business and life.
Email: mostafijur368@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mostafij51