Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising

Sontsa Initiative

Growing out of the Sontsa Initiative’s mission to empower Tibetan youth in exile through mentorship, Sontsa Podcast brings college students and professionals together to talk honestly about school, careers, and everything in between - turning individual journeys into shared guidance. No perfect stories. Just real experiences, lessons learned, and advice we wish we had earlier. Rooted in community. Rising together. Connect with us @sontsa_podcast if you would like to recommend a guest!

Episodes

  1. May 22

    EP06: The Mission to Build the First Tibetan AI Ft. Tenzin Gayche @ Monlam AI

    We often hear people say that AI will shape the future. But for Tibetans, an important question remains: will our language and stories be part of that future too? In this episode of the Sontsa Podcast, we sit down with Tenzin Gayche from Monlam AI to talk about the journey of building Tibetan AI from the ground up. In conversation with our host Tenzin Gyaltsen, Gayche shares the vision behind Monlam Melong AI and reflects on what it means to work at the intersection of technology, language preservation, and community responsibility. We explore the excitement, challenges, and deeper purpose behind creating AI tools for a language and culture that have so often been left out of global technological spaces. More than just a conversation about AI, this episode is about possibility. About young Tibetans entering rooms we were never expected to be in, building things many of us never imagined growing up, and proving that our language belongs not only in history, but also in the future. Listen | Reflect | Imagine What’s PossibleBuilding Tibetan AI: Language, Identity, and the Future Connect with Tenzin Gayche on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenzin-gayche-9a0aba1b9/ About the Sontsa Podcast Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising is a new initiative by the Sontsa Initiative that highlights stories of Tibetans who are building, creating, and leading across different fields. Our goal is simple: to share real journeys, spark ideas, and inspire young Tibetans to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. ⸻ About Sontsa Initiative Sontsa Initiative is a voluntary Tibetan youth-led initiative that supports Tibetan students in exile through mentorship, college guidance, and community building. We aim to expand access to opportunities and help young Tibetans navigate education, leadership, and professional paths with confidence. If you would like to stay connected with our work: • Follow @sontsa_initiative | @sontsa_podcast on Instagram. • Listen to the Sontsa Podcast • Reach out if you are a student looking for guidance or mentorship - sontsainitiative@gmail.com

    1h 10m

  2. May 7

    EP05: Getting Your Foot in the Door: Why Taking Chances Matters Ft. Tenzin Yeshi

    In this episode of the Sontsa Podcast, we sit down with Tenzin Yeshi—a Data Analyst at Citi Bank based in Bangalore—who shares her journey from TCV classrooms to navigating the corporate world. In conversation with our host Kalden, Tenzin reflects on the importance of staying open to opportunities, taking chances even when you don’t feel fully ready, and learning how to get your foot in the door. We explore the realities of transitioning from college into professional spaces, the value of practical experience and college projects, and why soft skills, networking, and self-advocacy matter more than many students realize. Tenzin also speaks candidly about entering unfamiliar environments, overcoming hesitation, and learning to “sell yourself” in interviews and professional settings—especially as a Tibetan navigating spaces where representation can often feel limited. Throughout the conversation, one message remains clear: you can never be perfectly prepared, and growth often begins by simply being willing to try. Take the Chance | Learn | Grow Getting Your Foot in the Door: Why Taking Chances Matters Connect with Tenzin Yeshi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenzin-yeshi-310831193/ About the Sontsa Podcast Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising is a new initiative by the Sontsa Initiative that highlights stories of Tibetans who are building, creating, and leading across different fields. Our goal is simple: to share real journeys, spark ideas, and inspire young Tibetans to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. ⸻ About Sontsa Initiative Sontsa Initiative is a voluntary Tibetan youth-led initiative that supports Tibetan students in exile through mentorship, college guidance, and community building. We aim to expand access to opportunities and help young Tibetans navigate education, leadership, and professional paths with confidence. If you would like to stay connected with our work: • Follow @sontsa_initiative | @sontsa_podcast on Instagram. • Listen to the Sontsa Podcast • Reach out if you are a student looking for guidance or mentorship - sontsainitiative@gmail.com

    53 min

  3. Apr 22

    EP04: From TCV Classrooms to NYC Government Ft. Nawang Palden

    In this episode of the Sontsa Podcast, we sit down with Nawang Palden—an engineer who went from TCV classrooms to working across NYC government agencies, often as the only Tibetan in the room. In conversation with our host Tenzin Gyaltsen, recorded at Ngatso Cafe, Nawang reflects on his journey from Nepal and India to the United States, and what it truly means to build opportunity—not through luck, but through preparation, adaptability, and continuous learning. We explore the importance of staying open and coachable, navigating new cultures, building meaningful relationships, and constantly investing in your own growth—even outside of your immediate field. Nawang also shares his deep commitment to service. As he puts it: “There’s no better way to serve than to use your education to uplift your community.” Beyond his professional work, Nawang has generously contributed his expertise to support the Tibetan Community Center of NY & NJ—offering months of pro bono technical guidance to help the community navigate complex building compliance processes. His work reflects a powerful example of using one’s skills to give back in meaningful and lasting ways. Adapt | Learn | RiseFrom TCV Classrooms to NYC Government Connect with Nawang Palden on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawang-palden-a1331984/ About the Sontsa Podcast Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising is a new initiative by the Sontsa Initiative that highlights stories of Tibetans who are building, creating, and leading across different fields. Our goal is simple: to share real journeys, spark ideas, and inspire young Tibetans to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. ⸻ About Sontsa Initiative Sontsa Initiative is a voluntary Tibetan youth-led initiative that supports Tibetan students in exile through mentorship, college guidance, and community building. We aim to expand access to opportunities and help young Tibetans navigate education, leadership, and professional paths with confidence. If you would like to stay connected with our work: • Follow @sontsa_initiative | @sontsa_podcast on instagram. • Listen to the Sontsa Podcast • Reach out if you are a student looking for guidance or mentorship - sontsainitiative@gmail.com

    47 min

  4. Apr 8

    EP03: Breaking New Paths for Future Tibetan Psychologists Ft. Tsering Yangdol

    In today’s episode, our host Tsering Lhamo sat down with Tsering Yangdol, a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology, to talk about her journey, struggles, and the purpose that led her to this path. From the conversation: “I’ve come to accept that struggle is part of the process, not something to be afraid of. It’s something we all go through, and often where the most learning happens. Especially in moments without clear answers, I’ve found myself pushed beyond my comfort zone. Over time, I’ve learned to become more comfortable with that ambiguity.” Currently Jamming: Sleepless Summer | གཉིད་མི་ཡོང་བའི་དབྱར་ཁ། By The Tibet Patient | བོད་ཀྱི་ནད་པ།། On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ6Ym0Z7EBo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsering-yangdol-31b12a14a/ About the Sontsa Podcast Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising is a new initiative by the Sontsa Initiative that highlights stories of Tibetans who are building, creating, and leading across different fields. Our goal is simple: to share real journeys, spark ideas, and inspire young Tibetans to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. ⸻ About Sontsa Initiative Sontsa Initiative is a voluntary Tibetan youth-led initiative that supports Tibetan students in exile through mentorship, college guidance, and community building. We aim to expand access to opportunities and help young Tibetans navigate education, leadership, and professional paths with confidence. If you would like to stay connected with our work: • Follow @sontsa_initiative | @sontsa_podcast on instagram. • Listen to the Sontsa Podcast • Reach out if you are a student looking for guidance or mentorship - sontsainitiative@gmail.com

    48 min

  5. Mar 19

    EP02: Why Failure Might be Your Greatest Advantage Ft. Tenzin Passang

    In Episode 2 of the Sontsa Podcast, we sit down with Passang — a first-year student at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, aspiring software engineer, and a UWC Red Cross Nordic and TCV Selakui alum who calls Dharamsala home. Passang’s journey isn’t a straight line. She describes herself as an average student growing up—someone teachers often said “talked too much” and didn’t always meet expectations. But over time, through discipline, self-belief, and a willingness to keep trying (even after setbacks), she transformed her path—becoming a top-performing student, earning a UWC scholarship on her second attempt, and now studying in the U.S. In this conversation, Passang reflects on what it really means to embrace failure, how self-belief is built over time, and why stepping out of your comfort zone can change everything. From TCV classrooms to UWC, and now Colorado College, her story is a reminder that growth often comes from the moments we least expect. We talk about: Growing up in Dharamsala and early school experiencesBeing labeled an “average” student—and building self-beliefGetting into TCV Selakui and key turning pointsDiscipline, consistency, and academic growthFailure, setbacks, and her UWC journeyFinding her place at UWC and beyondStepping out of her comfort zoneLife at Colorado College so farWhy she started sharing her journey onlineReframing failure as growthAdvice for students navigating stress and uncertaintyWhat she’s still figuring out You can find Passang Instagram: 10z_pass Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenzin-passang-47a4a638b/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bhumotenzinpassang About the Sontsa Podcast Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising is a new initiative by the Sontsa Initiative that highlights stories of Tibetans who are building, creating, and leading across different fields. Our goal is simple: to share real journeys, spark ideas, and inspire young Tibetans to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. ⸻ About Sontsa Initiative Sontsa Initiative is a voluntary Tibetan youth-led initiative that supports Tibetan students in exile through mentorship, college guidance, and community building. We aim to expand access to opportunities and help young Tibetans navigate education, leadership, and professional paths with confidence. If you would like to stay connected with our work: • Follow @sontsa_initiative | @sontsa_podcast on instagram. • Listen to the Sontsa Podcast • Reach out if you are a student looking for guidance or mentorship - sontsainitiative@gmail.com

    1h 9m

  6. Mar 4

    EP01: Why Tibetan Youth should built-not just follow

    Welcome to Episode 01 of Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising. 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Tibetan tech founder Sean Dorje to explore what it means to build something new when the path ahead isn’t always clear. From his early curiosity about technology to launching his own company, Sean reflects on the risks, doubts, and moments of belief that shape the journey of building. This conversation is about more than startups or tech. It’s about imagination, resilience, and expanding what feels possible for our community. What happens when we begin to see Tibetans creating, building, and leading in spaces we may not have imagined before? Ep01 is hosted by Tenzin Gyaltsen - MA in Technology & Policy, MIT. Rooted in who we are. Rising toward who we are becoming. Learn more about Sontsa Initative here. Learn more about Relixir

    35 min

  7. Feb 18

    EP0: Losar Tashi Delek — Welcome to Rooted & Rising

    Losar Tashi Delek, and welcome to Episode Zero of Sontsa Podcast: Rooted & Rising. 🎙️ In this opening episode, we introduce ourselves and share the story behind the Sontsa Initiative — how it began, how our community has grown, and why we felt called to start this podcast at this moment. Episode Zero is our foundation. We reflect on what it means to be part of Sontsa, the idea that this community isn’t about staying forever but about blooming, and how each of us carries our roots into new spaces — in college, in our careers, and in life. This season is hosted by four members of the Sontsa community:Tenzin Gyaltsen – MA in Technology & Policy, MIT Penpa Dolma – MS in Economics, American University Tsering Lhamo – MIA, Columbia SIPA Kalden Namgyal – Brown University Alum Rooted in who we are. Rising toward who we are becoming. Thank you for listening and celebrating Losar with us. This is just the beginning. Learn more about Sontsa Initiative here.

    23 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Growing out of the Sontsa Initiative’s mission to empower Tibetan youth in exile through mentorship, Sontsa Podcast brings college students and professionals together to talk honestly about school, careers, and everything in between - turning individual journeys into shared guidance. No perfect stories. Just real experiences, lessons learned, and advice we wish we had earlier. Rooted in community. Rising together. Connect with us @sontsa_podcast if you would like to recommend a guest!

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