Global Team
Meena Palaniappan
An award-winning entrepreneur and social impact leader, Meena Palaniappan founded Atma Connect, a tech non-profit to build the infrastructure for impact at scale, developing technology and engagement solutions that empower people and organizations for social good.
With over 25 years as an Environmental Engineer and technologist, Meena is also an Ashoka Fellow, Fulbright Fellow, an awardee of the Million Lives Club, winner of multiple international Resilience Awards, and named in publications such as Ideas that are Changing the World and Stanford Social Innovation Review. Meena has led technology projects in Africa, Asia and North America, including a $1.3 million USAID project to build a WATER SMS mobile to web crowd-sourced mapping system to improve water services in Indonesia. She has worked with the Pacific Institute and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) on sustainable community development, pollution prevention, and environmental justice. Meena received an M.S. in Energy and Resources from UC Berkeley and an Engineering degree from Northwestern University.
Since 2014, Meena has led Atma to become a globally recognized non-profit with teams in 3 countries and programs reaching 300 cities across three continents, focused on helping people connect, neighbor-to-neighbor, by sharing actionable information and solutions, taking collective action, and building community resilience.
Karen Risa Robbins
Extensive track-record negotiating multi-sector partnerships and building communities of purpose. An entrepreneur and advisor on using digital platforms to build networks that drive social and institutional transformation and scale social impact.
She is known as the “Mother of Drones” for her pivotal role in introducing drones to the marketplace and incubating the precursor to ReliefWeb. Previously, as Partnership Director for an $18 billion infrastructure redesign program, she managed $500M of public funding and IP rights for cutting-edge tech development projects. Passionate about community-first businesses, entrepreneurial networks, and systems-level change, she focuses on empowering Changemakers and creating lasting social impact through digital networks.
Aisyah Gunung
Bringing over a decade of experience in driving impactful tech-based initiatives, Aisyah combines technology with human-centered design to empower marginalized communities and foster social cohesion. At Atma, she shapes product visions and strategies for technology-driven initiatives, ensuring alignment with impact goals, business objectives, market trends, technical feasibility, and community needs. She previously played a key role in leading development, innovation, and business strategies in startups across marketing, education, e-commerce, and online retail (REA Group Asia-Australia, Zenius, Blibli, Ogilvy), driving measurable outcomes.
Passionate about promoting information literacy, economic resilience, and fostering inclusive growth, she leverages her expertise in strategy and execution to address inequalities and create sustainable impact. She holds a BA in Electrical Engineering from the Bandung Institute of Technology and is an alumna of the XL Axiata Future Leaders programme.
Dave Turner
David was the CTO at a series of technology startups in Online Advertising, Search Engine Marketing in Australia. Upon successfully exiting those companies David was founder and CTO of biNu, a company delivering phone technology solutions to the least connected in Africa through specialised apps, low data technologies and the reverse billing of mobile data cost. The focus was on efficiency, simplicity and easy adoption with the objective of extending the reach of mobile technology to the most disadvantaged and increasing the positive impact of mobile solutions. David joined Atma Connect in 2018 as an advisor on technology and product direction.
Technology Team
Pevrizal Ef
As the Tech Lead and Software Engineer at Atma Connect, Ef drives the development of scalable and reliable architectures for the organisation’s applications. He plays a critical role in defining best practices, conducting code reviews, and collaborating across teams to shape product roadmaps and initiatives. With a passion for crafting trusted and impactful digital experiences, Ef’s expertise spans Golang, Python, Node.js, React, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud technologies like AWS. Prior to Atma Connect, Ef contributed as a Backend Developer at Brodo, where he rebuilt their backend systems using Golang, developed analytical tools, and streamlined their CI/CD pipelines. His previous roles at PT GCP and Rockwell Collins further honed his skills in building diverse applications, from education systems to file management tools for wireless in-flight entertainment.
Ef thrives on designing systems that deliver value and enjoys meeting challenges head-on. When he’s not solving complex problems, you can find him playing guitar, following football, or connecting with people over a cup of coffee.
Eka Jayani Ayuningtyas
Passionate about user experience, progressive enhancement, and accessibility, Eka is a self-taught Front-End Developer and active in Indonesia’s local tech community. With her technical expertise, she ensures Atma’s platforms are responsive, accessible, and user-centred.
Eka’s credentials and impact have made her a sought-after speaker in local tech communities. Recognised for her expertise in front-end development and accessibility, she was invited to participate in Google’s Experts Bootcamp, representing her contributions to the tech field. Her career spans roles as a language instructor, translator, and media staff, reflecting her versatility. Before joining Atma Connect, she freelanced as a web developer, creating high-performing websites for small businesses and artists.
A passionate advocate for inclusive tech, Eka empowers others through mentorship and knowledge-sharing. In her free time, she enjoys food, music, digital art, and exploring creative subcultures, continuing to inspire as a leader and role model for women in technology.
Okta
Okta specializes in building and maintaining robust, user-friendly applications across diverse projects. He has played a key role in rebuilding the AtmaGo Android app, enhancing backend APIs, and managing the platform’s admin dashboard. Beyond AtmaGo, Okta contributes his expertise to other digital initiatives, bringing his versatile skill set to create impactful solutions. His technical proficiency spans Kotlin, Swift, Node.js, Python, and more, enabling him to craft scalable and innovative software systems.
A tech enthusiast with a passion for knowledge sharing, Okta has written articles on topics like concurrency patterns, distributed systems, and API development. His curiosity drives him to explore emerging technologies and refine his craft continuously. Outside of work, Okta enjoys experimenting with new frameworks, staying updated on tech trends, and finding inspiration in creative problem-solving.
Dian Manullang
Dian is a meticulous and fast-learning QA Engineer with a passion for ensuring seamless user experiences through rigorous testing. She plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of mobile and web applications by creating test cases, running manual and automatic tests, identifying and tracking defects, and ensuring features are polished before release. She also contributes to documentation and API testing. With prior experience at Jubelio and DiTenun, Dian has honed her skills in quality assurance for diverse systems, from warehouse management to AI-driven digital weaving applications. Dian’s dedication, adaptability, and analytical mindset are integral to Atma’s mission of delivering reliable, user-focused platforms.
David Wibisono
David is a well-rounded, human-centric UI/UX designer responsible for the design of Atma Connect’s platforms and websites. With a background that began in operations, he transitioned into design, bringing a thoughtful and empathetic approach to every project. David is passionate about creating user-centered experiences, always striving to understand the needs of users and designing intuitive, impactful solutions. He is committed to continuous learning and enjoys using his skills to create designs that help people. David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the University of Indonesia.
Rahma Batari
Rahma is passionate about product and business management, with experience in digital businesses across the marketplace, property, and EduTech sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Padjadjaran University, majoring in Information Systems. Rahma has worked as a Product Manager at Bukalapak, an e-commerce platform, and contributed to product management for government platforms in IT consultancy. She is deeply committed to understanding user needs, often going into the field with the Atma Connect team to onboard and engage directly with users, ensuring the product truly meets the needs of communities on the ground. Rahma is eager to apply her skills in driving impactful digital solutions.
Field Teams
Alfan Rodhi
With over 14 years of experience leading grassroots initiatives across Indonesia, Alfan has empowered marginalized communities through large-scale, community-driven programs. His expertise in multi-stakeholder engagement ensures that communities are connected to essential resources and supported in their development.
Alfan has held key roles in various organizations, including Project Officer for Malteser International and Founder of Komunitas CareShare. He has managed initiatives in urban poor communities, including disaster risk reduction projects in Aceh, gender-responsive budgeting in West Java, and programs in Lombok, Palu, Malang, and Makassar. His work spans education, good governance, and community development. As Field Director, Alfan excels integrating local voices into decision-making. He leads community-driven initiatives and, with his expertise in human-centered design (HCD), ensures Atma Connect’s tools, including AtmaGo, meet community goals.
Jimmy Welles
Jimmy is member of the Indonesian team, where he focuses on understanding, measuring, and evaluating the social impact and outreach of Atma Connect’s initiatives. His work spans across both quantitative and qualitative research, contributing to Atma’s initiatives ongoing improvement and impact. He plays a central role in managing M&E plans and indicator tracking matrices for various projects, ensuring that performance data is captured effectively to inform strategic decision-making.
Jimmy was an AusAID/ADS Scholarship awardee (2010-2012) and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from La Trobe University in Australia. His strong academic foundation, combined with practical expertise in market research, translation, and teaching, enables him to ensure that Atma Connect’s outreach resonates meaningfully with communities across Indonesia.
Francisco J.
As Project Director for Atma Connect PR, Paco empowers the organization with world-class project management, quality assurance, and financial management, driving measurable results and sustainable growth. He champions continuous improvement, equipping project managers, leaders, and teams with tools to excel professionally and transform challenges into opportunities. While rooted in excellence with U.S. federal contract, Paco is passionately committed to expanding the impact across Latin America and the Caribbean, fostering innovation, integrity, and progress in every project.
Erika Marrero
Erika is in charge of community outreach, growing AtmaGo presence, and project design. Having lived Hurricane María and its aftermath, Erika was interested in learning what others did to overcome the disaster and enjoyed sharing her ingenuity in fighting crisis. She advocates the uplifting of voices concerning social justice, human rights, and heritage. She has worked with the National Park Service and Fundación Dr. Francisco López Cruz, and has been a lecturer in Ghana and St. Croix. Erika holds an MA in Linguistics and an BA in Audiovisual Communications, from the University of Puerto Rico. Her hobbies include agriculture, reading comics, and playing video games.
Indra Alfonso
Indra Alfonso is Finance and Operational manager with experience in finance, accounting, and operational field for more than ten years in commercial & development fields. An experienced leader with a history of development in Business Planning and Development, Data Management, Project Coordination, Talent Acquisition, Account Reconciliation, Due-Diligence, and Financial Reporting. Over the past ten years, he has been involved in the World Bank Project (PNPM Mandiri), FHI 360, Mercy Corps, GGGI, Embassy of Netherland, and Oxford Policy Management project.
David Khoirul
David is a translator, graphic designer, and community outreach specialist. He speaks English, Indonesian and Javanese. David has worked for HBO Asia, Google, Uber, and Motorola. He was a member of the English Student Association of the University of Ronggolwre from 2005 to 2008, and the FKPPG Youth Communication Forum in Lamongan from 2006 to 2009. David graduated from the University of Ronggolawe with a degree in language education.
Chardlén Ortiz
As Communications Manager for Atma Connect in Puerto Rico, Chardlén drives the organization’s mission by crafting and executing strategic communication plans that amplify impact, foster community engagement, and build organizational visibility. With a focus on storytelling, media relations, and digital outreach, Chardlén ensures alignment with the organization’s values and objectives while adapting to local contexts and cultural nuances.
Chardlén brings extensive experience in marketing and communications, having led initiatives that enhance brand presence, promote knowledge sharing, and inspire action across nonprofit, government, and community-based sectors. Passionate about empowering underserved communities, Chardlén leverages innovative approaches to connect with diverse audiences and champion equitable development.
Communications
Daniel Morton
Daniel Morton is a fundraising professional from Canada, currently living in South America. After graduating in Journalism in 2008, Daniel’s career took him from newspapers to television and finally to international development, where he specializes in raising funds to in support of the good. He’s thrilled to be with Atma, and believes in the power of neighbors helping neighbors to achieve a better world.
Laurie Kretchmar
Laurie Kretchmar, communications lead, is a communications strategist and former business journalist (FORTUNE, The Wall Street Journal and founding editor in chief of Women.com Networks, the first major U.S. for women). She works with great companies and causes to amplify their brands and reach their target audiences. Laurie is the author of the business book, “Tweet This! How to Amplify Your Brand on Twitter.” She can be found on Twitter as @LKhere.
I am delighted to be the Board Chair of Atma Connect, now an award-winning technology non-profit in the San Francisco Bay Area, and take part in Atma Connect’s exciting future.
Board
Lisa Diaz Nash
Lisa is a seasoned community leader, social entrepreneur and consumer marketer with proven success building communities, companies, and causes. She currently is a candidate for San Mateo City Council, the President of the San Mateo Library Board and Co-Captain of Sister District CA Peninsula. Lisa was formerly the Chief Marketing Officer of Thrive Networks and CEO of Blue Planet Network, an award-winning global clean water and sanitation nonprofit. Her background includes senior marketing positions with American Express, VISA, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE and Yahoo!. She spent nearly a decade working and living across Asia. Lisa was recognized as a Silicon Valley 100 Women of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2012. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Mandarin Chinese from National Taiwan Normal University and a BA with Honors from Swarthmore College.
Bapon Fakhruddin, PhD
Nicholas Cain
Nick is a cofounder of Atma Connect and served as VP and Deputy Director for four years. Nick currently teaches public policy at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy and works as a consultant. He has worked for the Sierra Club, the Pacific Institute, and Southern California Edison among other organizations. Nick holds a PhD in Environmental Policy and World Politics from Claremont Graduate University and an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University.
Soodeh Montazeri
Bill Johnston
Sergio Paluch
Sergio has 20 years of experience and has worked for Autodesk, Scribd.com and Wells Fargo. Sergio is the co-founder of Atma Connect and the founder of Montparnas, a firm that helps start-ups grow business lines and customer retention strategies. He has led and set product strategies for companies such as Tivo, Google, Scribd, Flurry, FairTrade USA, Wells Fargo, LeapFrog and HubSpot, among others. He holds an MA in Development Economics and International Development from Boston University.
Adrienne Bloch
Adrienne is a highly accomplished legal expert and climate strategy consultant with over 20 years of experience driving environmental justice and sustainable energy solutions. As Managing Attorney at Earthjustice, she leads efforts to prevent fossil fuel extraction through the “keep it in the ground” strategy and supports global transitions to renewable energy. Previously, Adrienne provided legal and policy expertise as a consultant, empowering communities and advancing ecological and economic resilience. During her tenure as Legal Director at Communities for a Better Environment, she developed a successful legal department, led impactful litigation, and collaborated with communities to improve health and environmental policies. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to systemic change and climate justice.
Jennifer Mitrenga Maymon
Jennifer is the Founder and Managing Partner for Kijamii Capital and Vice President of Global Business Development and Women’s Philanthropy at Opportunity International. She invests her time, talent and treasure in individuals, organizations and ideas focused on women’s empowerment, social forward thinking, disruptive technologies and solutions to the world’s most significant problems. She has taken executive education courses at Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business and holds a BA in Finance & Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Kush Amerasinghe
Kush is a Computer Scientist / Futurist at Adobe, exploring new frontiers of creativity, business, and technology. He has co-founded 4 technology and media companies and pioneered many internal initiatives within them. He has gained a diverse set of working experiences spanning across 6 countries in 3 continents and many industries such as computer graphics, video, disk based media, to web and mobile. Kush also has a strong focus on problem solving and improving the world. He serves on multiple boards of non-profits and acts as an advisor and volunteer for organizations covering areas including art, community, environment, and well-being.