Frieda Nal will be attending Bentley University in the fall of 2023. She grew up in Russey Keo, an outskirt of Phnom Penh City. Her father is the sole family provider of five, working as a former Logistics Officer. Her mother previously worked at the Cambodian Red Cross, but retired and decided to look after her children instead. Although her mother did not have a chance to receive higher education, she has inspired Frieda tremendously to reach her highest potential by being the first child in her family to attend college and be a part of Cambodia’s future resources.
Initially a quiet and timid student, Frieda broke through and challenged herself in various social activities including competing and winning a Public Speaking Competition, joining student clubs, and participating in social activities throughout her high school. She has demonstrated her impressive leadership and communication skills by facilitating more than 15 guest speakers, experts, and professionals to produce 50 videos and podcasts as guides for students to choose the right university major. Frieda became a Student Ambassador in her senior year and led a virtual discussion table as a place for students to voice their concerns regarding their goals and university plans. She has also led a community service project called “The Clean Community” to help rural students in Svay Rieng province acquire hygienic supplies to fight against COVID-19. Recently, she was also a part of Cambodia’s first-and-only university-based TEDx event called “TEDxRUPP” as the Head of People Experience, organizing and managing over 400 audience members in the hope to spark conversation from valuable ideas and research.
With first-hand experience with Cambodia’s political and economic issues, Frieda is determined to spend her next four years at Bentley University to understand the aspects of globalization and also dip into entrepreneurship with Bentley’s minor in Business Administration. Frieda is committed to developing Cambodia sustainably through advocating for women as change-makers and opening doors for women to be represented in decision-making roles.
