Harpswell Foundation

For more than 15 years, Harpswell has worked to break the economic and societal barriers that prevent bright, ambitious rural Cambodian girls from pursuing higher education. Watch this video to learn more about our work. youtu.be/xmIduLFyML8

Are you a passionate leader with a knack for building strong relationships and driving impactful change? Harpswell is looking for a Development Manager to spearhead fundraising and help empower women leaders across SE Asia. Apply by January 16 here: harpswell.org/staff

Digital literacy, health literacy, agriculture, and Khmer culture. Each of these were addressed in the Cambodian Women’s Leadership Class of 2025’s recent Core Class project pitches. Stay tuned to Harpswell's socials as the teams implement their projects in the coming months!

Happy Holidays! Cambodian Women’s Leadership students and staff recently celebrated the holidays with a festive Christmas gathering full of singing and dancing, and a gift exchange. Wishing all a joyful season from Harpswell!

3 Harpswell students recently joined a training led by museum specialist Chris Begley in partnership with the US Embassy. Students worked with the repatriation team from Edenbridge Asia and National Museum staff to learn about best practices in artifact displays and storytelling.

Harpswell’s Executive Director Jacyl Shaw recently met with Bangkok-based alumnae for a reunion. Bringing together alumnae across programs for meaningful connection and further learning is key to Harpswell’s mission. We look forward to more gatherings in SE Asia in the new year!

“Coming to the US has been a chance for me to explore and learn more about myself .” Harpswell US Scholar Larch Somalita ‘24 dreams of being a teacher and leading in the classroom. Read Somalita's journey from her hometown to Harpswell and on to CBU here: harpswell.org/news-events/so…

On December 1, Team Harpswell ran the Angkor Wat 5k in Siem Reap! A huge thank you to everyone who gave generously to Team Harpswell’s Class of 2028 fundraiser. So far, we’ve raised $51,457! If you’d like to contribute, there’s still time - donate here: harpswellfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1332…

Join us in welcoming the Cambodian Women’s Leadership Class of 2028! The 21 newest members of the Harpswell family arrived in late November for a joy-filled welcome ceremony. Interested in supporting the Class of 2028 this Giving Tuesday? Donate here: harpswellfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1332…

The Harpswell sisterhood is a lifelong network, providing support in everything from academic to professional and even personal milestones. A highlight of these milestones for alumanae are Harpswell weddings. Congratulations to Theng Sokuntheary '15 and Chhim Molina ‘21!

It’s not too late to support Team Harpswell! harpswellfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1332… Current students and staff are ready to travel to Siem Reap this weekend to run the Angkor Wat 5k in support of the Class of 2028. Will you help us reach our $85,000 goal? Every dollar counts!

Dr. Nway Eint Chei is a public health leader in Myanmar, where she applies her learnings from the 2019 ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit as she serves diverse communities throughout the country. Read Nway’s inspiring story and reflections on the Summit here: harpswell.org/news-events/co…

After Harpswell's most competitive admissions cycle in history, we are thrilled to congratulate the 21 members of the Class of 2028 on their acceptance into the Cambodian Women’s Leadership Program. Interested in supporting the Class of 2028? Donate here: harpswellfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1332…

From Penang to Phnom Penh, Harpswell students and ASEAN Summit participants have been attempting the "Marshmallow Challenge." Hands-on opportunities like this encourage collaborative learning where students are free to try, fail and try again, growing as leaders along the way!

After her time at Harpswell, LR Kathryn Putz began her journey as a Fulbright English Teaching Fellow in Taiwan. Read Kathryn’s reflections on nurturing one-on-one connections and expanding learning beyond the classroom, from Cambodia to Taiwan, here: harpswell.org/news-events/be…

At Harpswell, learning is a lifelong journey. Recently, Cambodian Women’s Leadership alumnae Oul Salav ‘19, Reth Sreyroth ‘16 and Suon Raksmey ‘10 led insightful sharing sessions for their peers. From the 5 conflict management styles to Monkeypox, alumnae enjoy learning together.

We are 38% of the way to our $85,000 goal to cover the Class of 2028’s 1st year in our leadership centers! By giving today, you can double your donation-- a generous donor has offered an additional $8,000 match for gifts given in the next two weeks. harpswellfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1332…

Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🦇 A highlight for Harpswell’s LRs is sharing holiday traditions with staff and students in the Cambodian Women’s Leadership program. This year was no different as American LR Vicki Peterlin shared about Halloween traditions before a fun evening together.

The Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit is a chance for young women leaders to use their voices. By the end of the program, we hope all participants are empowered to express themselves and speak up, just like 2024 participant Basyirah. #womenleadingchange #harpswellsummit24

“It is a nice feeling to learn and guide others at the same time.” - Ke Manut ‘26 Critical thinking classes are key to the Harpswell Cambodian Women’s Leadership Program. As students become confident presenters and researchers, they also become invaluable mentors to their peers.

Last week, the Cambodian Women’s Leadership Program welcomed back Harpswell’s Executive Director Jacyl Shaw. During her visit, Jacyl facilitated an engaging “Leadership Masterclass” with an empathy mapping activity to imagine creative approaches to various leadership challenges.