leadership team
Anthony DeMauro is the Director of Dalai Lama Fellows at the University of Virginia Contemplative Sciences Center. Full bio.
Donna Mejia is Associate Professor at CU Boulder and the Inaugural Chancellor's Scholar in Residence for the Renée Crown Wellness Institute. Full bio.
Jonah Willihnganz is Director of the Stanford Storytelling Project and Co-Founder of the LifeWorks Program for Integrative Learning at Stanford University. Full bio.
Kelly Crace is Executive Director of the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia. Full bio.
Leah Peña Teeters is the Outreach and Education Director at the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at CU Boulder.
Full bio.
Nehali Patel is the Assistant Director of Dalai Lama Fellows at the University of Virginia Contemplative Sciences Center. Full bio.
Shubham Sapkota is the Contemplative Programs and Scholars Leader at the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at CU Boulder. Full bio.
Sona Dimidjian is Director of the Renée Crown Wellness Institute and Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at CU Boulder. Full bio.
2025-2026 Mentorship Fellows
This select group of DLF program alumni provides formal mentoring to Dalai Lama Fellows, guiding and supporting them in their leadership and personal development.
Agnieszka Bułacik is a facilitator and artist-researcher weaving learning, justice, art, and ecology. She creates transformative spaces where art and dialogue fuel collective healing and systemic change. (2022 Fellow)
Dharini Suresh is the founder of Period Mama, a FemTech app for menstrual health. She also mentors students in public speaking and finding their identity through self-expression. (2019 Fellow)
Emina Popaja champions inclusion and leads a circular economy business that repurposes materials for the arts. (2020 Fellow)
Dr. Pannavat "Palm" Veeraburinon is a counselling psychologist & co-founder of Sunday Counselling. He blends ADHD and learning disorder lived experiences with expertise to spark growth. (2018 Fellow)