In February 2025, we had the privilege of returning to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, strengthening our connections in the region. Our first Tech2Empower Cambodia program in 2016 introduced us to key allies, including Harpswell, a valued partner whose dedication to women’s empowerment aligns closely with ours. More recently, we collaborated with Harpswell for Tech2Empower Malaysia (June 2024), working with women leaders from across the ASEAN region and Nepal. In Phnom Penh, WAKE worked alongside Harpswell to bring together the Day for University Women program as well as a networking dinner connecting Harpswell Alumni and WAKE’s volunteer Advisors. As WAKE celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2025, we are deeply grateful for the steadfast support of our long-term partnerships and the opportunity to build new relationships that expand our impact and foster lasting change.
Tech2Empower Cambodia created meaningful impact and collaboration through two key initiatives:
a) Cambodian women-led NGOs partnered with Tech2Empower Advisors to develop social impact projects aimed at strengthening their organizations; and
b) Advisors led interactive workshops for university students, further equipping them with leadership and tech skills.
Tech2Empower Advisors are experienced professionals who dedicate their time, expertise, and resources to advance social justice, advocate for women's and girls' rights, and promote women's economic empowerment. Advisors for the Cambodia program represented a diverse range of companies including Accenture, Google, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and YouTube.
We extend gratitude to our local partners, especially Harpswell and Impact Hub Phnom Penh for their invaluable support, connections, and insights.
The Tech2Empower Cambodia Impact Challenge provided women-led NGOs an opportunity to increase their impact or improve operational effectiveness by connecting them with volunteer Advisors eager to apply their professional skills to strengthen NGO initiatives. Through pro bono consulting, training, and skill-building, teams worked collaboratively to create actionable projects aimed at driving long-term success.
SHE Powered by iDE strengthened its organizational strategy and communications tools to better showcase their impact. The team developed templates for an annual report and a 10-year impact report, a new membership strategy, and an impact framework. They also reinforced their membership approach and established a communications architecture plan to enhance visibility, increase engagement in key events, and effectively communicate their impact to a broader audience.
Open Development Cambodia worked on short-term and long-term strategic planning with a focus on revenue generation. The project resulted in a crowdfunding strategy, a six-month revenue generation plan, and a five-year strategic plan for the commercial arm. These initiatives will help mobilize additional funding to support data accessibility, advocacy, training, and policy change, ultimately strengthening the organization’s ability to serve its community more effectively.
SuDrain strengthened its business development strategy by finalizing and rehearsing a pitch deck to attract funding and expand its impact. The project emphasized networking, identifying funding opportunities, and refining growth strategies to scale both revenue and community impact. Following the Impact Challenge, SuDrain had the opportunity to present their refined pitch at the ASEAN Blue Innovation Expo & Business Matching and was awarded the Best Pitch Award, further validating its approach and securing additional support for expansion.
Lady Saving Group is focused on improving their current membership management system, so the team explored alternative platforms to find one that would lead to more effective membership tracking and data management. The discussions also resulted in outlining solid strategies towards redefining the target audience, fundraising and income generation, and a more focused approach for the long-term sustainability and success of the organization. These efforts will allow Lady Saving Group to not only better serve its community, but it will allow for more efficient operations and a stronger network for future growth and funding.
Women Peace Makers focused on enhancing communications, social media marketing, and branding to strengthen its outreach and engagement. With Advisor support, the team developed a comprehensive digital social media strategy document, including platform-specific recommendations, website revisions, and innovative fundraising methods. They also created their first social media content calendar, allowing for more structured and targeted content planning. These improvements will help the organization engage more effectively with its community, increase branding visibility, attract supporters, and optimize resources. By integrating a stronger digital presence with fundraising efforts, Women Peace Makers aims to expand its reach, enhance credibility, and secure funding to sustain its mission.
The Impact Challenge provided social impact leaders with critical skills and resources to enhance their work:
Advisors and NGO teams worked effectively to achieve meaningful project outcomes. 100% of participants surveyed:
“This mentorship program has been a refreshing change, allowing us to learn from diverse experiences and knowledge.”
-Bonnarath Virak, Lady Saving Group
“I'm grateful and humbled for the opportunity to be surrounded by and working with high achieving and motivated women on both the advisor and NGO side. I leave with a new found appreciation for the compassion of our Cambodian partners.”
-Sanchi Arora, YouTube
During the Tech2Empower Cambodia program, Advisors designed and facilitated interactive leadership and tech workshops for Harpswell university students, empowering them to acquire critical skills for their professional journeys. These sessions provided students with technical skills while fostering confidence, leadership, and emotional intelligence in the workplace.
Tech2Empower Day for University Women was co-hosted by Harpswell, an organization working to advance young women leaders in Southeast Asia with education, training and a supportive network, and WAKE’s long-standing partner since 2016.
The event began with Google’s #IamRemarkable workshop, followed by practical workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence, goal-setting, and problem-solving strategies. Participant feedback underscored the program’s success:
“To be able to meet many professionals in one event is the opportunity of my lifetime. I've became more self aware of my feelings, how to express them, and I am thankful for your workshops. The best highlight is being able to network with all of you, hopefully having you as a mentor for my future career(s).”
-Sorn Sovannarath
“Day for University Women was a wonderful experience, the workshop was amazing and everyone was so friendly and smart! They really inspired me to be better and become confident like they are as well!”
-KHA Phorsdabormey
Tech2Empower Cambodia showcased the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. The partnership between Tech2Empower Advisors and women-led NGOs provided organizations with tangible strategies to expand their impact and sustainability. Additionally, the partnership between WAKE and Harpswell ensured that university students gained valuable skills, career insights, and inspiration to support their professional trajectories. The dedication of Tech2Empower Advisors and local partners created an environment in which learning, mentorship, and innovation flourished. As a result, this program strengthened networks, fostered new opportunities, and empowered individuals and organizations to continue advancing social change in Cambodia and beyond.
