Seeking an internship in international development policy or social justice.

For a copy of Thina’s resume, please email (program@shecan.global).

Villathina “Thina” Ly is attending Occidental College where she majors in Diplomacy & World Affairs and has made the Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters. As a first-generation Phnom Penh, Cambodia native, Thina is passionate about using diplomatic and economic skills to solve issues associated with labor migration and intercountry tensions. Thina’s leadership is guided by values such as women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, and peaceful conflict resolution. In the summer after her first year at Occidental, Thina was chosen as a SHE-CAN Make A Change recipient and returned to Cambodia to lead a community service project, “Straw Mushrooms for Better Livelihood,” in which she provided women in rural Cambodia with training in growing straw mushrooms to encourage long-lasting economic self-sufficiency. At around the same time, Thina interned at Edenbridge Asia, where she contributed to the repatriation of looted Cambodian artifacts from the United States by conducting research on museums and art collectors.

She was chosen as a member of the 2025-26 Barack Obama Scholars Program at Occidental College, awarded to exceptional students who seek the opportunity to create meaningful and lasting change. On campus, Thina has worked as a research assistant for Professor Bevin Ashenmiller in the Flume Smart Home Water Monitors project and works as an office assistant at the International Programs Office. Thina has served on the E-Board of INTOXY and DWAMA, organized events for the DWA department’s United Nations Week program, volunteered at the Young Initiative on Global Political Economy, and volunteered as a team leader for the international student orientation. In the future, Thina hopes to contribute to the field of diplomacy in Cambodia.