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
IKAT - A Gathering for Women’s Leadership
IKAT is a biennial conference for women and allies working for and in Southeast Asia. Inspired by the shared cultural heritage of weaving (ikat), this program provides a space for the community to share and entwine diverse perspectives in the spirit of leading positive change across the region.
Featured Programs
Leadership Residents
The Leadership Residency is a professional development opportunity for international women to mentor, learn and live alongside students and alumnae in Harpswell’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh.
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.
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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Kroch Srey Touch: My Year Abroad
June 16, 2026
Coming from Cambodia, where access to education can still be limited, I have always seen education as a bridge. The idea of studying in the United States represented more than academic advancement: it symbolized a chance to challenge myself, to step outside of my comfort zone, and to bring back meaningful experiences that could benefit my community.
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A Journey of Growth: From Harpswell Alumna to Business Leader
May 3, 2026
In early 2026, I was invited to attend several weddings of Harpswell alumnae across various provinces in Cambodia. While traveling to Sihanoukville for Then Yanuth ’20 ’s wedding last February 2026, I was fortunate enough to hitch a ride with a former colleague, Din Vutha ‘10, who is also a Harpswell alumna. Who is she, what is she doing today, and how has her life's journey unfolded?
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Reflections on Care, Health and Community
April 20, 2026
Nearly three years after my time as a Leadership Resident (LR) in Harpswell’s BT dorm, I find myself back in Phnom Penh as a Fulbright Fellow, investigating aging and community health in medically low-resource settings. In many ways, my decision to return to Cambodia traces back to my time with Harpswell.
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Harpswell Welcomes Four New Board of Trustees Members
March 12, 2026
Harpswell is pleased to announce that Carolyn Florey, William (Bill) Heidt, Renée Lahti and Tean Ly have joined the Board of Trustees.
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Leadership Council: Steering Committee Members
March 8, 2026
Harpswell is thrilled to introduce the newly formed Leadership Council and its Steering Committee for 2026, supported by Basye Peek, Harpswell's International Program Manager.
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Home Away from Home
December 22, 2025
When I first arrived at Harpswell's Boeung Trabaek dormitory, I thought I had come here to teach, but now that I am leaving, I know I also came here to learn.
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Finding Confidence in Authentic Leadership
November 22, 2025
In September, I flew from Sydney to Penang to join Harpswell's ASEAN Women's Leadership Summit and teach my new masterclass, Storytelling for Leadership.
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Celebrating Dr. Alan Lightman’s Retirement
July 11, 2025
After 20 years of leadership, mentorship, inspiration and service, Dr. Alan Lightman, Founder and Board of Trustees member, announced his official retirement from the Harpswell Board this past May.
