When Dara first joined Nomi Network nearly a decade ago, she never imagined the opportunities that lay ahead. Hired through a local partner as part of the cleaning staff in our Cambodia office, Dara came from a background of generational poverty. With only a third-grade education, her path had been limited by circumstances far beyond her control.

But Dara’s story didn’t end there.

At Nomi Network, we believe in the power of local leadership. Our programs are rooted in the understanding that those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. In Cambodia, where many organizations are led by outside voices, we are committed to investing in Khmer leaders and honoring the rich culture, talent, and wisdom already present in the community. We know that real, lasting change happens when neighbors lead and support one another.

Thanks to Nomi Network’s ongoing commitment to invest in local staff, Dara began participating in our staff professional development program. She learned how to read and write. She picked up math skills. She even began using computer programs—something she never thought possible.

Her hard work and persistence paid off. Today, Dara is the office manager for our Cambodia program—a role she’s earned through years of dedication and personal growth.

Her leadership doesn’t stop in the office. With a heart for health and community, Dara began cooking nourishing Khmer meals for her coworkers, blending tradition with nutrition. What started as a small act of service quickly turned into a modest business. Charging a small fee, Dara now uses the profits to build a plan for expanding her food venture even further.

At a recent Nomi Network staff retreat, our leadership team met with Dara to explore how her entrepreneurial model could be replicated across our programs, creating new income-generating opportunities for women in Cambodia and beyond.

Our President and Co-Founder, Diana Mao, shared this reflection in our annual report: