California Sherpa Association Holds 2025 Annual General Assembly
EL CERRITO, Calif. — November 9, 2025 : On a clear November afternoon, the rhythmic hum of voices and the aroma of Himalayan cuisine filled the Tashi Delek Restaurant in El Cerrito, California. It was November 9, 2025, a day of gathering, reflection, and renewal for the California Sherpa Association (CSA). The annual general assembly, a cornerstone of the organization’s democratic spirit, brought together Sherpa families, elders, and youth from across Northern California to celebrate community, share ideas, and welcome new leadership.
The event began with a heartfelt welcome from Vice President Ang Tendi Sherpa, who reminded everyone that such assemblies are not merely formalities, but vital occasions for dialogue and connection. “It is through our participation and discussion,” he said, “that we shape the direction and welfare of our organization.” His words set the tone for an afternoon rooted in unity, gratitude, and forward vision.
CSA President Lhakpa Nuru Sherpa then took the floor to express his deep appreciation for the members and board who, through quiet dedication and collective effort, had strengthened the foundation of the association during his tenure. He spoke not only of achievements, but of the invisible threads of trust and cooperation that sustain a community far from its ancestral home in the Himalayas.
Moderated by General Secretary Pasang Geljen Sherpa, the assembly unfolded with an air of thoughtful purpose. The general secretary presented an overview of the year’s activities, community events, cultural programs, and outreach efforts, while Treasurer Kami Sherpa shared the financial report, underscoring transparency and accountability as central values of the organization. The Chief Guest, Tendi Sherpa Lama, graced the occasion with his presence and joined the president in presenting certificates of appreciation to those who had contributed selflessly to the association’s mission.
A moment of quiet reflection followed when former president Ang Chhiring Sherpa spoke about the enduring significance of the organization. He reminded the audience of the early days when the California Sherpa Association first took shape, a time when the community longed for a shared space to preserve their culture and support one another. “This organization,” he said, “has given the Sherpas of Northern California not only a home away from home but also a collective identity rooted in compassion and resilience.”
The highlight of the afternoon came with the unanimous election of the new board of directors for the 2026 to 2028 term. Gombu Sherpa was elected as the new president, with Ang Dorjee Sherpa as vice president, Mingma Lhamu Sherpa as secretary, and Ang Ngawang Sherpa as treasurer. The newly elected board, which includes members Konjo Sherpa, Ngapasang Sherpa, Nimi Sherpa, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Pasang Nuru Sherpa, Phudoma Sherpa, Phurba Sherpa, Tashi Dhundup Sherpa, Thupten Sherpa, and Ongdawa Sherpa, took their oath of office before former president and election committee member Lhakpa Dendi Sherpa. The moment symbolized not only a leadership transition but also the enduring continuity of community trust and responsibility.
Founded in 2010, the California Sherpa Association is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Sherpa culture, promoting social welfare, and uniting Sherpa families living throughout California. Over the years, it has organized cultural festivals, Losar celebrations, Buddhist teachings, and charitable initiatives both locally and in Nepal. Its long-term vision includes establishing a Sherpa Community Center in the Bay Area, a cultural home that will serve future generations as a space for learning, gathering, and remembrance.
As the assembly drew to a close, the spirit in the room was one of renewed purpose. Conversations lingered long after the formal session ended, about upcoming events, community projects, and dreams of a dedicated Sherpa center that might one day rise on California soil. The general assembly was not only a meeting of members; it was, in essence, a reaffirmation of identity, a quiet celebration of how a mountain people, scattered far from their native valleys, continue to climb together toward a shared horizon.
