Sokvy attends University of Portland (UP). She is devoted to improving the quality of life for the disadvantaged through development initiatives and policy. Sokvy was born into a family of six in the province of Kompong Speu, but her parents divorced when she was very young. Sokvy grew up and spent her most formative years with her educator uncle while her mother worked in another city; as a result, Sokvy developed an early fascination and enthusiasm for education.

Sokvy was a Research Intern at the Research Justice Institute of the Coalition of Communities of Color during the summer following her freshman year at UP. She participated in community outreach initiatives to assist a Clackamas County, Oregon, research justice study that sought to comprehend the lived realities of communities of color.

Sokvy was awarded a scholarship from Cambodia’s Future Foundation (CFF) to continue her education in Phnom Penh before becoming a SHE-CAN scholar. Together with two friends, she successfully launched a community health project to enhance sanitation in a village in her community with the assistance of CFF. Her team persuaded residents to invest in a toilet, with the community agreeing to pay half the cost of construction and CFF providing the remainder. Sokvy and her companions constructed ten toilets for the people in two years.

Sokvy was chosen to visit a school in Singapore where the CFF Founder works due to her exemplary contributions to the organization. Sokvy’s journey opened her eyes to how far behind Cambodia is in terms of development, and she was inspired to make improvements in her nation. Sokvy has recognized the ability of education to improve people’s standard of living. She wishes to improve the quality of education in Cambodia, particularly for those who lack opportunities, because education is one of the most significant weapons for raising people out of poverty and enhancing human rights for everyone.

Highlights From Sokvy’s Past Work Experience:

• Assistant, School of Education at University of Portland
• Intern, Research Justice Institute at Coalition of Communities of Colors
• Administrative Assistant, GBR Consulting Limited in Cambodia