Staff
Shamoli
Shamoli has worked for the GEP since 2018. She is the Dorm Mother for our GEP dormitory in Khulna, an energetic home to 150 young women from the 8th grade through university. She received her BA in Commerce from Fakerhat College, and has received additional training in physiotherapy. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in our dorm building to be on call 24-7 for needs in the dormitory. She particularly loves poetry and cooking, and loves cooking for our entire team.
Rubana
Rubana is our GEP Dorm Manager, and handles many details associated with providing housing to 150 young women in our two dormitories. Prior to joining the GEP, Rubana worked as a schoolteacher for 13 years. She brings valuable experience educating young people to her work with the GEP.
Dave Palmer
Dave is the Director of Development for Speak Up for the Poor. Prior to joining Speak Up in 2019, he graduated from UCLA and from Fuller Theological Seminary, and worked for Servant Partners. Dave previously lived for seven years in India and Bangladesh, learned the Bengali language, and grew to love and appreciate the Bengali people and culture. He is delighted to continue his connection to the Bengali people through his present work with Speak Up. Dave lives in Long Beach, CA, with his wife Mini, and his two daughters, Lily and Emily.
Indro
Indro has worked with the GEP since 2016, and today serves as our Finance and Administration Manager. He received his MBS in Accounting from Azam Khan Commerce College in Khulna, and has served the GEP in a variety of finance and admin roles in the previous 5 years. Indro enjoys living with friends in Khulna, and is especially passionate about travel and adventures around Bangladesh and India.
Shibupada
Shibupada is an Advocacy Team Coordinator and has worked with the GEP since 2013, one of our longest serving staff. He graduated with his BA from Dumuria College, and also received his MA from BL College in Khulna. Shibu lives with his wife and his extended family in Tipna village, one of the 30 villages in our GEP, and he is known as “The Professor” for his extensive memory of every girl’s name and every family detail from the over 1,700 girls and families involved in our GEP. He loves cricket and learning English.
Francis
Francis is a Field Manager for Speak Up Bangladesh, and has worked with the GEP since 2018. He graduated with his BA from Day-Night College in Daulatpur, and received his MA from BL College in Khulna. He lives in Khulna with his wife and daughter. Francis loves watching Hindi films, and also learning about nature by watching the Discovery Channel and other nature shows on TV.
Kakoly
Kakoly has worked for the GEP since 2013 - another of our longest serving staff. She works as an Area Coordinator overseeing the GEP in 6 villages. She lives in Baduria, one of the villages in which the GEP operates. She received her Simple Degree, and is now working towards her Masters. She loves being independent as one of the rare women in Bangladesh driving her own scooter motorcycle, and she loves gardening.
Shamima
Shamima has worked with the GEP since 2014. She completed her master's degree, and currently serves the GEP as a Co- Area Coordinator, supervising six GEP communities. She lives with her husband and two children, and enjoys teaching, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Runa
Runa has worked for the GEP since 2018. She works as an Area Coordinator overseeing the GEP in 6 villages. She lives with her family in the Khulna area, and received her MBS in Business. She loves serving the girls in our GEP and enjoys traveling.
Ringku
Ringku has worked for GEP since 2018. She oversees the GEP in 34 locations as a College Program Manager. She holds a master's degree and is also currently studying in law school. She lives with her husband in Khulna city. She is an energetic, positive presence on our team, and loves traveling and spending time with friends.
Mathew
Mathew has worked for the GEP since 2019. He works as a College Coordinator overseeing the GEP. He is married and has one son and one daughter, his family all living in the Khulna area. He received his Simple Degree. He loves playing with his children and spending time with his family, and is known to enthusiastically dance at GEP parties.
Provati
Provati has worked for the GEP since 2013. She currently works as an Area Coordinator overseeing the GEP in 7 villages. She holds a master's degree in history. She lives with her husband and two children, and loves to read and study.
Terejina
Terejina has worked for the GEP since 2014, as a Co-Coordinator. She holds a master's degree in political science. She lives with her husband and her daughter, and enjoys singing, telling jokes, and making others laugh.
Matthew
Matthew has worked with the GEP since 2019, and is the Coordinator of our College / Higher Education Programs. Matthew received his BA degree. He is married and has one son and one daughter. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading books, traveling and visiting new locations, and the sport of football (soccer).
Barun
Barun has worked for the GEP since 2018. He holds a master's degree in accounting and works as a Co-Area Coordinator with the GEP. He lives with his wife and two children, and also enjoys fishing.
SM Maruful
SM Maruful has worked for the GEP since 2019. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and works as a teacher and Public Relations Coordinator with the GEP. He lives with his wife, daughter, and his mother, and enjoys reading in his free time.