United Sherpa Association Forms New Trustee Board for the 2026 to 2029 Term
New York, May 1, 2026
The United Sherpa Association (USA) Inc. formally constituted its new Board of Trustees for the 2026 to 2029 term during a special program held at the Association’s monastery in Elmhurst Queens, New York, on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti.
The gathering brought together community members, respected elders, and venerable lama gurus, creating a deeply spiritual and cultural atmosphere. As one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, Buddha Jayanti provided a meaningful and symbolic moment for the transition of leadership. The three year tenure of the Board of Trustees officially begins from this sacred day, aligning the organization’s governance cycle with a time of spiritual renewal and reflection.
The newly formed board is chaired by Chongba Lama Sherpa, who brings years of experience in community leadership and organizational involvement. He is joined by Mrs. Nimi Sherpa as Secretary of the Board, along with board members Mr. Er Temba Sherpa, Mr. Lhakpa Rinji Sherpa, Mr. Nuri Sherpa, Mr. Chhiring Gorja Khambache, Mr. Chhiring T Sherpa, Mr. Tenzi Sherpa, Mr. Gyalzen Lama, Mrs. Nim Doma Sherpa, Mrs. Tenzin Tenzin, and Mr. Ang Nima Sherpa, representing diverse regions of Nepal, including Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, and Khotang.
The inclusion of Mr Lhakpa Rinji Sherpa, the recent Chair of the Board of Trustees, brings continuity of experience, while Engr Temba Sherpa, who also serves as President of the Association’s Executive Committee, adds further institutional strength and coordination between leadership bodies, reinforcing the overall effectiveness of the Board.
Through years of dedication and unity, this joint effort led to two of the Association’s most significant accomplishments. The acquisition of the Association’s building in Elmhurst, Queens, New York, stands as a reflection of that collective commitment. Today, it serves as a vibrant center for religious ceremonies, cultural gatherings, and community programs, strengthening both identity and connection among the Himalayan diaspora.
Equally meaningful is the purchase of 61 acres of land in Wallkill, New York, known as the Sherpa Kyidug Lhapso Land. This milestone was made possible through continued collaboration between the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee, along with the generous support of the community. The land represents not only a physical asset but a long-term vision, a future cultural and spiritual sanctuary where large gatherings, traditional rituals, meditation retreats, and intergenerational learning can take place in a natural and peaceful setting.
Together, these achievements reflect the strength of a dual leadership structure working in harmony, where strategic vision and operational execution come together through community-driven fundraising, ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.
During the Buddha Jayanti program, prayers, blessings, and traditional rituals were conducted by lama gurus, symbolizing purification, compassion, and the aspiration for collective well-being. The presence of the monastic community underscored the deep connection between cultural identity and spiritual practice within the Sherpa diaspora.
Chairman Chongba Lama Sherpa has been actively engaged with the Board of Trustees since 2019, contributing through various committees and community initiatives. He is also a founding member and former spokesperson of the Network of Sherpa Students and Professionals. Currently, he serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sherpa Construction Consulting and Sherpa General Construction and Management, both based in New York.
With a strong institutional legacy, experienced leadership, and a renewed sense of unity, the new Board of Trustees begins its three-year journey at a moment that reflects both continuity and aspiration, committed to advancing community development, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening the spiritual and social fabric of the Sherpa community in the United States.
