Socheata Huot is attending Lafayette College majoring in Civil Engineering. She is passionate about sustainable development in the construction sector and improving living standards. At Lafayette, she works as an Art Gallery Mentor and Library Assistant.

Prior to joining SHE-CAN, Socheata joined SEAOHUN, an educational video competition that promoted health awareness across Asia and her team won 1st place in Cambodia. She also joined the Live-Green design competition, led by the U.S Ambassador’s Youth Council, where her team advocated for recycled plastic bag usage to achieve sustainable construction materials. Her team placed in the top 3 in research and design.

Socheata lived with her family in a village in Kampong Cham, Cambodia, where the availability of English education is limited. After high school graduation, she was given an opportunity to stay at the Harpswell Foundation, where she found herself living in a girls-only community. There she was also able to develop her leadership skills. In her third year at Harpswell, Socheata became the Vice-President of a self-study group, responsible for coordinating classes and managing a team of 32 students. Opening to different opportunities, Socheata also participated in a debate on “Inclusive Public Service,’’ organized by Transparency International. The experience allowed her to learn about the possibilities for better public service in Cambodia, through a policymaking, and solution search. Socheata would love to contribute her skills and knowledge in public service to make Cambodia a better place.