Women Lead Change.
That’s our core belief, and the organizing principle behind all we do.
In our efforts to energize the most powerful force for social and economic advancement in Southeast Asia—through the education, training and creation of a network of the next generation of women leaders.
Join Us
Featured Programs
Cambodian Women’s Leadership
We operate two residential leadership centers for young women in Cambodia while they attend university in Phnom Penh. At any time, 70+ young women are learning, growing and leading in our dormitories.
Featured Programs
ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit
Every year, Harpswell organizes a 5-month hybrid leadership training summit for accomplished young women, aged 25 to 35, from the ASEAN countries across Southeast Asia and Nepal.
Our Stories
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“I want to end structural inequalities so that each and every one of us can live dignified lives.”
— Sujeena Shakya, 2018
Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit: Nepal -
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“Education is the only vehicle I see that can help make [a] brighter future a reality.”
— Kaing Menghun, 2011
Harpswell Cambodian Women’s Leadership Program -
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“We are a community of women that lifts each other up, encouraging each other in academic pursuits and impact.”
— Gabby Fiore, 2017
Harpswell Leadership Residency -
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“I am also a citizen of the world...we need to help our global community, especially people in need.”
— Sey Jakkrya, 2022
Harpswell Cambodian Women’s Leadership Program
Impact Metrics
Generational Change
100%
of women in Harpswell’s Cambodian Higher Education program graduate from university. More than 42% complete graduate degrees. Fewer than 10% of their parents received a university degree.
A Sisterhood for Life
98%
of ASEAN Summit participants agree that the connections made with the peers and mentors in their program will help them in their future career and development.
Lifting as We Climb
100%
of current Cambodian Higher Education students say Harpswell has helped them become a leader at school, work or in their communities. 70% of Harpswell alumnae actively mentor other young women.
We’re building a brighter future.
All founded by Harpswell Alumnae. All thriving.
8 Private Companies
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2 NGOs
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4 Social Enterprises
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8 Private Companies + 2 NGOs + 4 Social Enterprises +
The Latest
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Reflections on Community and Courage: Harpswell Scholar Yarida
June 13, 2025
Four outstanding graduates of the Cambodian Women’s Leadership program have returned from a year at Christian Brothers University in the U.S., ready to bring their experiences home—like Chhit Yarida ’24, who highlights how her passion for volunteering helped her build community abroad.
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Leadership beyond Cambodia and ASEAN
January 15, 2025
Chheang Sreylin ‘22, a Harpswell Cambodian Women’s Leadership program alumnae, was selected to participate in the prestigious Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) at the University of Omaha.
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A Passion for Teaching: US Scholar Somalita's Story
December 4, 2024
Inspired by her parents and her time as a US Scholar, CWL alumna Somalita shares about her passion for education.
