Reflecting on a Year of Purpose: My Journey with Reach Siem Reap

Just as the sun rises over the ancient temples of Angkor, casting its golden light on the verdant fields of Siem Reap, I am reminded daily of the resilience and beauty that surround us. This resilience is mirrored in the communities we serve at REACH Siem Reap , where, as Chairperson of the International Advisory Council for nearly a year now, I have witnessed the extraordinary impact of collective effort and compassionate leadership.

My involvement with Reach began over five years ago, driven by a desire to contribute to an organization with a transparent mission and genuine commitment to change. Working alongside our founder, Emily Williamson , has been nothing short of inspirational. Her vision for Reach is one of empowerment and sustainable development—a vision that has been the guiding star of our advisory board’s efforts.

The Role and Impact of the Advisory Board

Being part of the advisory board for Reach has been a multifaceted and enriching experience. The board is the strategic think tank of the organisation, guiding its direction and ensuring that each step we take is a stride toward greater impact and empowerment for the communities in Siem Reap. As chairperson, I’ve had the humbling opportunity to steer this ship, navigating through challenges and seizing opportunities to expand our reach.

The advisory board’s role goes beyond oversight; it is a commitment to hands-on involvement and support. From strategic planning sessions to ground-level participation in initiatives such as our annual Ride to Reach event and the Match Grant Heroes program, our board members embody the ethos of active, engaged leadership.

A Year of Growth and Learning

Reflecting on the past twelve months as chairperson, I am struck by the profound growth and learning that have accompanied this role. Leadership, especially in a non-profit setting, is not about authority—it is about fostering collaboration, encouraging diverse perspectives, and above all, listening. Listening to the needs of the children and families we support, to the invaluable input of our dedicated staff, and to the voices of our donors and partners who make this work possible.

Under my chairmanship, we've focused on expanding our reach, both in terms of our programs and our supporter base. Our computer literacy program, an initiative I hold close to my heart, has been a beacon of our efforts to bridge the digital divide, providing youth with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Celebrating Our Founder and the Work of Reach

No reflection on my time with Reach would be complete without celebrating Emily Williamson . Her unwavering dedication has not only laid the foundation for Reach but also set the standard for compassion and innovation in our work. It is through her leadership that Reach has developed a reputation for not only dreaming big but also for turning those dreams into tangible realities for those we serve.

The work we do at Reach is a testament to the power of community and the belief that education and access to resources can transform lives. We've seen this transformation in the eyes of the children attending our programs, in the gratitude of families receiving support, and in the strengthened capacity of local leaders working with us to create lasting change.

Looking to the Future

As I look forward to another year at the helm of the advisory board, I am filled with anticipation for the future. With each challenge we face, there is an opportunity for innovation; with every success, there is a chance to reach even higher. We continue to be guided by the principles of sustainability, community engagement, and impactful action.

Being part of Reach Siem Reap’s advisory board, and particularly serving as the chairperson, is more than a role—it is an honor and a privilege. It is an embodiment of the belief that together, we can craft a world where every child has the chance to reach their full potential.

The journey is far from over, and the work never truly done, but as I sit on the cusp of my second year as chairperson, I am reminded that it is journeys like these that are the most rewarding. For they are journeys not just of distance and time, but of change and purpose.

Each story of impact at Reach Siem Reap serves as a reminder of why we are here. There's the tale of a young girl who, before coming to our literacy program, had never touched a computer. Today, she navigates it with ease, a budding testament to the doors we're opening. Then there's the community garden project, which started as a seedling idea at an advisory board meeting and has since flourished, providing both education and nutrition to the families we support.

The initiatives that have been undertaken during my time on the board, and especially in my tenure as chairperson, have been focused on sustainability and long-term growth. We've strengthened our educational programs, expanded our health and wellness services, and have delved into social enterprise, ensuring that our efforts are not just immediate but generative.

The vision for the future of Reach Siem Reap is expansive yet precise. We aim to deepen our impact within the community while also scaling our model to assist other regions. This vision includes bolstering our core programs, like the computer literacy initiative, to create an even more profound ripple effect of opportunity and empowerment.

The role of the advisory board in this vision cannot be overstated. The strategic guidance, the expertise, and the commitment of each board member is the engine behind Reach's mission. As chairperson, facilitating this collaboration and harnessing the collective power of our board's diverse skill sets has been both my responsibility and my joy.

Collaboration extends beyond our board meetings. It's about partnership and community. It's about listening to and learning from the very people we aim to help. Our founder, Emily, has instilled in us the value of a community-led approach, where the solutions and improvements we seek are co-created with those they are designed for.

In celebrating the work of Reach Siem Reap, we also celebrate the community that has embraced us. We celebrate the stories of success and the potential for more. We celebrate the shared belief that education, health, and empowerment are the keystones for sustainable development.

Reflecting on my time with Reach Siem Reap, as both a member of the advisory board and as its chairperson, I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment and a steadfast resolve to continue this journey. The successes we've had – whether in fundraising through events like Ride to Reach, or seeing a young child read their first sentence – are shared successes that fuel our collective commitment.

As we stand at the threshold of another year, the work of Reach Siem Reap is more important than ever. The challenges that face the communities in Siem Reap, and indeed the world, require innovative solutions, compassionate leadership, and a board that is as proactive as it is reflective.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow board members, to our founder Emily, to our dedicated staff, and to every supporter who has joined us in this mission. The road ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities, but with a shared vision and a collective spirit, I am confident in our continued success.

To be part of the advisory board is to be part of a story – a story of change, of hope, and of unwavering dedication to the belief that together, we can make a difference. As I look back on a year as chairperson, I am inspired by what we've achieved and excited for what we will accomplish next. With each passing day, we are not only reaching out to the communities in Siem Reap – we are helping them reach up to a future of limitless possibility.