Haydi Sowerwine

Advisory Board

Haydi Sowerwine worked for IDEO in Palo Alto, a leading product design firm, while raising five children-a blended family-with her husband David. In 1991, Haydi & David moved to Nepal, where David worked with USAID. After the time with USAID they decided to stay in Nepal & came up with the idea for their future company, EcoSystems (www.ecosystemsnepal.com), which they formed in 1996. Their first product was an appropriate technology bridge for the rural areas of Nepal – 38 bridges were built. The Sowerwine’s innovative designs have won numerous awards, including the San Jose Tech Museum award in 2003 for their bridges, and a grant from the World Bank for a human powered generator and electricity distribution system.

Haydi was active in a number of organizations in Nepal which helped women and children. After moving back to their home in California in 2005, Haydi and David formed a non-profit called VillageTech Solution. The organization – which works mostly in Nepal – creates technology that betters lives in developing countries. Haydi has had a long relationship with NYF. Early in their stay in Nepal she heard about J House (now Olgapuri Children’s Village) from a friend, went for a visit, and from that day forward she and David have been enthusiastic supporters. They love to tell about the wonderful work NYF does. Haydi served on the Board of Directors from 2006 to 2018, and we are pleased to have her continued advice and counsel as a member of Advisory Board.