Frances has been an integral part of the ADRRN since 2016, contributing significantly to the network’s strategic growth. As a Business Development Manager and adviser to ADRRN’s Executive Committee since 2021, her expertise in fundraising, partnerships, and strategic development has strengthened ADRRN’s capacity across the Asia-Pacific region. With over 35 years of experience in the development and humanitarian sectors, Frances brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She holds an MSc in Development Studies, a BA (Hons) in Archaeology, and is a Level 2 Accredited Partnership Broker.

As the GESI Advisor at ADRRN, Kosar plays a central role in integrating considerations on diversity and inclusion into the network’s operations and activities, advancing inclusive development practices across the region. With over 15 years of experience in international development, their expertise spans gender equality, climate change, mountain development, and rural development. Their work combines academic rigour with hands-on experience in research, policy advocacy, and capacity building, contributing to both local communities and global initiatives.

Zila is the Finance Manager for the ADRRN, a role she has held since 2011. With over 14 years of experience in organisational finance and international humanitarian missions, Zila has played a key role in supporting ADRRN’s initiatives. She brings expertise from her work at MERCY Malaysia, where she now serves as Deputy Head of Risk Management and Compliance. Zila is also involved in disaster simulation training and holds a Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership. Her dual role in both organisations has proven invaluable in bridging operational and strategic efforts at ADRRN.

As the Communications Manager for ADRRN, Remya Sasindran provides strategic oversight of the network’s visibility, outreach, and communications agenda, enhancing ADRRN’s role as a leading voice for disaster resilience in the Asia-Pacific. She works closely with ADRRN members to shape compelling narratives that elevate community-centred solutions and highlight the network’s impact. With a focus on integrated communications across the network, Remya strengthens ADRRN’s visibility by promoting cohesive, impactful messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.

With extensive experience in development communications, program management, and community engagement, Remya’s expertise lies in crafting targeted communication strategies that foster behaviour change and promote evidence-based best practices. Her contributions at ADRRN focus on expanding the network’s reach and influence, ensuring that impactful resilience and disaster risk reduction stories resonate across regional and global platforms.

Rita Thakuri serves as the Network Coordinator for ADRRN, where she drives collaboration among diverse member organisations across the Asia-Pacific to strengthen disaster resilience initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in disaster management and non-profit administration, Ms. Thakuri oversees network coordination, membership engagement, and project alignment, ensuring that ADRRN’s efforts remain impactful and cohesive across the region. Her background, which includes a Master’s in Crisis Management Studies and a Master’s in Business Studies, equips her with a strong foundation for her leadership role. In addition to her work with ADRRN, Rita contributes to developing training modules on future-oriented planning and facilitates workshops that empower communities in resilience planning. A recognised Young Scientist by the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) program, she actively contributes to the field through research and training, reinforcing ADRRN’s commitment to fostering resilient communities across Asia and the Pacific.

Uma is a results-driven development and humanitarian professional with over a decade of experience in program development, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), technical assistance, and partnership building. In her role as Learning Manager at ADRRN, she leads initiatives to enhance member capacity through targeted training, knowledge-building, and the integration of best practices across the network. With a focus on facilitating impactful learning experiences, Uma strengthens ADRRN’s support to its members by fostering collaboration and sharing expertise in disaster resilience. Her thematic expertise spans CCCM (Camp Coordination and Camp Management), Protection, Shelter/NFI, livelihoods, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP). A certified Sphere trainer and published researcher, Uma has contributed to numerous publications on disaster risk reduction, localization, and humanitarian leadership. She continues to elevate ADRRN’s knowledge-sharing goals, advocating for effective, inclusive, and accountable approaches to resilience-building across Asia and the Pacific.