Seeking an internship in international business, environment, sustainability, or agricultural development.
For a copy of Yaan’s resume, please email (program@shecan.global).
Yaan Heang is attending Denison University, majoring in Global Commerce and Sustainability & Environmental Studies. Yaan serves as a Forward Scholar at the Center for Belonging and Inclusion, promoting equity and inclusion at Denison. This includes collaboration with the Red Frame Lab Director to develop and train an AI chatbot to help Licking County newcomers access essential local resources. Yaan also works as a research assistant to Dr. Celia Tuchman-Rosta. She was part of Dr. Tuchman-Rosta’s fieldwork in Cambodia over the summer of 2024 and continued with interview transcription during the school year. Yaan has conducted independent research on the psychological impacts of climate change, which she presented at a mini-conference at Denison. Last summer, she was chosen as a recipient of the SHE-CAN Make A Change Program for workshops she initiated and led in Cambodia, helping youth leaders, teachers, and students learn about the dangers of burning plastics and why and how to reuse plastic materials. She also recently participated in an Environmental Justice panel, connecting with students from Ahmedabad University in India to discuss global perspectives on climate justice. During her first year in college, she served on the First-Year Leadership Executive Committee of the Denison Asian Student Union.
Yaan is Cambodian-Vietnamese and grew up in a suburb of the Banteay Meanchey province. She has two younger sisters, and her parents run a small business selling garlic. Her parents’ sacrifices and unwavering support drive her ambition, inspiring her to work diligently toward her goals. As a result of her dedication, she graduated with an A-grade on her national exam, becoming the first in her family to pursue higher education.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Yaan is deeply engaged in extracurricular activities and community service. Despite the limited opportunities available during her high school years, she proactively created and sought out avenues for personal growth. She developed her leadership skills by leading the Red Cross Club and participating in Model United Nations, where she gained new perspectives, enhanced her communication abilities, and built confidence. She took the initiative to challenge herself by raising funds for charities and educating children in Klaeng Por and Kontout, rural villages in Banteay Meanchey province, about the negative effects of burning plastics. Yaan embraces challenges as opportunities for growth.
During the pandemic, Yaan founded the club “One Step Forward” to provide high school students with opportunities to improve their English public speaking, critical thinking skills, and confidence through discussions on social issues and online debates. Additionally, she trained and mentored ten high school students, equipping them with leadership skills to address environmental concerns and introduce bamboo straws as an eco-friendly alternative within their communities.
Her firsthand experiences with environmental issues in agriculture, particularly the excessive use of chemicals by farmers that harm both consumers’ health and the environment, fueled her desire to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. She aspires to develop sustainable agricultural practices in Cambodia that ensure food safety and environmental preservation. Yaan is committed to being a change agent, believing that her efforts can make a lasting, positive impact on her community and beyond.
