Meet Kaushila of Sunshine Taekwondo Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaushila.

Hi Kaushila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins with a simple belief that has followed me through every chapter of my life: growth is a responsibility. That belief is what led me to pursue my PhD, a journey that has become one of the most meaningful parts of who I am today. Studying at this level has pushed me to think more deeply, lead more intentionally, and stay committed to work that creates real, lasting value for others. Education, for me, has never been just about earning a degree; it has always been about becoming someone who can uplift people and strengthen communities.
But long before I entered a doctoral program, another path was shaping me. I spent more than twenty years in Taekwondo, eventually earning my 5th Dan Black Belt and becoming a certified USA Taekwondo referee. Taekwondo didn’t just teach me how to kick or spar. It taught me discipline, humility, respect, and the quiet kind of strength that shows up in how you treat people, how you make decisions, and how you carry yourself when no one is watching. Those lessons became the foundation of my leadership.
Along the way, I discovered other parts of myself, the artist, the storyteller, the creator. As a choreographer and lyricist, I learned how to express emotion, culture, and meaning in ways that words alone can’t always capture. Creativity became another form of leadership for me, a way to connect with people and give voice to experiences that deserve to be heard.
And then there was entrepreneurship, the part of my journey that taught me how to build something from nothing. Starting and leading organizations required vision, resilience, and the courage to create opportunities where none existed before. It pushed me to think bigger, act boldly, and stay grounded in purpose.
All of these paths, academic, athletic, artistic, and entrepreneurial, eventually came together to shape the leader I am today. My story is not about one moment or one achievement. It’s about the lessons collected along the way: integrity, compassion, discipline, creativity, and service. Whether I’m in the classroom, on the mat, in the studio, or building something new, I try to lead in a way that inspires trust and creates space for others to grow.
My journey is still unfolding, but the guiding principle remains the same: true leadership is measured by the lives we touch and the communities we help strengthen.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been far from easy, but every challenge has shaped the leader I am today. I began life as a refugee, growing up in an environment where uncertainty was constant and resources were limited. Those early years taught me resilience, gratitude, and the ability to find strength in places where others might only see struggle. They also planted the belief that leadership begins with how you rise from difficult circumstances.
Martial arts became the first place where I learned to transform adversity into purpose. Through more than two decades of Taekwondo, earning a 5th Dan Black Belt and serving as a USA Taekwondo referee, I discovered discipline, fairness, and the power of leading by example. Every setback, every injury, and every demanding moment on the mat taught me emotional control, humility, and the confidence to make clear decisions under pressure. Taekwondo didn’t just shape my skill; it shaped my character.
Entrepreneurship became the next chapter of my growth. Building organizations from the ground up required vision, courage, and the willingness to take risks even when the path was uncertain. There were financial challenges, operational barriers, and moments when the dream felt bigger than the resources available. But each obstacle pushed me to innovate, adapt, and lead with purpose rather than fear. Entrepreneurship taught me that leadership is not about having everything; it is about creating something meaningful with what you have.
Today, as a PhD student and community leader, I carry all of these lessons with me. Balancing academic work with organizational leadership has tested my endurance and sharpened my strategic thinking. It has reminded me that growth is a responsibility, and that knowledge becomes powerful only when it is used to uplift others.
From a refugee camp to the roles I hold today, my journey has been defined by resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to service. Every challenge strengthened my leadership and reinforced my belief that true leadership is not measured by titles or achievements, but by the lives we touch and the communities we help rise.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sunshine Taekwondo Academy?
My work today is centered around two organizations that reflect my purpose as a leader: Sunshine Taekwondo Academy and the Sunshine Care Foundation. Together, they represent discipline, creativity, cultural expression, and the belief that every person deserves a space to grow.
Sunshine Taekwondo Academy is not just a martial arts school. It is a leadership‑development environment where Taekwondo and dance come together to build confidence, discipline, and cultural pride. We specialize in Taekwondo training, youth leadership, and performance arts. What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We train strong athletes, expressive dancers, and confident young leaders. Our students learn emotional control, respect, teamwork, and the mindset needed to succeed in life, not just on the mat or the stage. Dance plays a powerful role in our academy. It allows our youth to express identity, culture, and creativity while building coordination, confidence, and community. The combination of Taekwondo and dance makes our academy unique. We develop both discipline and artistry, strength and expression, structure and creativity. This balance is rare, and it is one of the reasons families trust our brand.
The Sunshine Care Foundation expands this mission beyond the academy. We focus on youth empowerment, family support, education, and community development. Our programs are designed to meet people where they are and help them rise. Whether through mentorship, cultural arts, leadership workshops, or community outreach, our goal is to create opportunities that strengthen families and build healthier, more connected communities.
What I am most proud of, brand‑wise, is the identity we have built. Our brand stands for strength, creativity, integrity, and service. It reflects my own journey from a refugee camp to becoming a 5th Dan Black Belt, entrepreneur, choreographer, and PhD student. Everything we offer is rooted in authenticity. We don’t just teach skills; we create transformation. We build spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
For readers learning about us for the first time, I want them to know this: Our work is driven by purpose. Our programs are built with intention. And our brand is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through Taekwondo, dance, creativity, and community. Whether someone joins us for martial arts, dance, youth programs, or community support, they will find a place that believes in their potential and invests in their growth.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My journey has never been a solo effort. Every step has been shaped by people who believed in me, supported the mission, and stood beside me through every challenge. Leadership is never about one person. It is about the community that lifts the vision.
I am deeply grateful to my Sunshine Taekwondo Academy family. My parents, my mentors, our assistant masters, instructors, and students have been the foundation of everything we have built. Leaders such as Master Som Acharya, Assistant Master Binod Gurung, Assistant Master RB Khadka, Assistant Master Birkha Subba, and Assistant Master Sarita Basnet have shown exceptional dedication and loyalty. Their achievements, including their recent Dan promotions, reflect the strength of our team culture. Our instructors also play a vital role in our success. Instructors Radhika Subedi, Nirmal Khanal, Bishnu Bhujel, Ishan Karmacharya and Madhukar Karmacharya contribute daily through their patience, leadership, and passion for teaching. Dance Teacher Rojina Subedi has strengthened our dance program with creativity and heart.
I am equally proud of the Sunshine Dance Team. Their performance at the International Indian Icon Season 9, where they placed in the Top 5 among thousands of global applicants, brought our academy international recognition. Their artistry and discipline continue to inspire our youth and elevate our brand.
Beyond the academy, the Sunshine Care Foundation thrives on the contributions of volunteers, parents, and community members who give their time and trust. Their support allows us to expand our work in youth empowerment, cultural arts, and community development. And above all, I am grateful to the families who believe in our vision. They trust us not only to teach Taekwondo or dance, but to help shape their children’s character, confidence, and future.
My journey, from a refugee camp to leading organizations in martial arts, dance, and community empowerment, has been possible because of the people who walked with me. Our success is shared, and our impact is truly collective.

Pricing:

• for pricing details please contact 6022453403

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sunshinetkdacademy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetkdacademy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshine.tkd.18
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetaekwondo8119