Navin Kafley is a man of many talents and passions. He is a public servant, a technology expert, a traveler, and a vegetarian. He is also a proud Nepali-American who has made New York City his home for the past fifteen years.
Navin was born and raised in a remote village in Nepal, a South Asian country that boasts the world’s highest mountains, the Himalayas.
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia that is home to some of the most spectacular mountains in the world. The Himalayas, which means “abode of snow” in Sanskrit, stretch across Nepal’s northern border and form part of the highest mountain range on Earth and includes Mount Everest, which stands at an impressive height of 8,848.86 meters. Nepal has more than 1,300 peaks that are over 6,000 meters high, including eight of the 14 peaks that are above 8,000 meters, also known as the “eight-thousanders”. These are the highest and most challenging mountains to climb, and attract thousands of adventurers every year.
Navin’s Journey
He exchanged those internationally renowned mountains for the towering skyscrapers of New York City in pursuit of a steady career that would not only support his family but also offer opportunities to assist others.
After graduating, Navin joined the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (NYC-OTI), where he has been working since 2016. As the Director of OTI’s Enterprise Unified Collaboration Engineering, he leads a team that provides vital services to more than 100 units within 46 city agencies. His team is responsible for ensuring the security and efficiency of digital communications and applications such as Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint Online. He also helps protect the city from email-based threats such as phishing, account compromise, and malware attacks.
The New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (NYC-OTI) is a department of the New York City government that oversees the use of existing and emerging technologies in government operations and service delivery to the public. NYCOTI aims to make the city more efficient, effective, resilient, and equitable through innovation and collaboration.
Navin loves his job and finds it rewarding to work in public service. He said, “I strive daily to foster a healthier, more productive work environment, collaborating both within OTI and with other city agencies to address business challenges and enhance organizational value.” He also enjoys learning new skills and overcoming technical challenges.
When he is not working, Navin likes to travel and explore different places. He has visited 26 states in America and admires the natural beauty and diversity of the country.
Navin is also a vegetarian who likes to cook and grill tasty dishes for his family. He lives in New Jersey with his beautiful family, including his mother, wife, and two children.
Navin Kafley is an example of someone who has followed his dreams and made a difference in his community. He is proud of his Nepali heritage and grateful for his American opportunities. He is a citizen of both worlds, from the Himalayas to the Big Apple.
Freelance Writer
