Souksaveuy Keotiamchanh, founder of Zero Waste Laos organization

Souksaveuy Keotiamchanh, the founder of Zero Waste Laos, is making a significant impact on environmental protection in Laos. Her organization aims to inspire young people to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future. Her impressive achievements are recognized worldwide and in 2022 she won the Women of the Future South East Asia Award in Singapore.

In an exclusive interview, Souksaveuy shares her journey, sources of inspiration, and offers valuable advice to young women starting their careers.

Laos

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Laos 〰️

Early Influences and Inspiration:

When asked about her sources of inspiration, Souksaveuy attributes her drive to her mother, a hardworking and compassionate individual who instilled in her a sense of care for both people and the environment. This upbringing has shaped her passion for environmental issues and her dedication to supporting others in their community-oriented endeavors.

Advice for Young Women:

Souksaveuy's advice for young women embarking on their careers is simple yet powerful. She emphasizes the importance of identifying one's passion and goals, taking risks, and not being afraid of failure. Through perseverance and learning from setbacks, young women can pursue their dreams and do what they love.

Educational Background and Career Path:

With a background in environmental engineering, Souksaveuy holds a master's degree from the Asian Institute of Technology. She began her career as an assistant lecturer at the National University of Laos and subsequently worked for various green institutes specializing in waste management in Vientiane. It was during this time that she discovered her love for working with communities in the environmental sector and sharing stories with young people. This eventually led her to establish Zero Waste Laos alongside her work with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Initially, the organization started as a Facebook page to raise awareness, but it quickly gained traction, attracting volunteers and transforming into a full-fledged initiative.

Dreams and Ambitions:

Souksaveuy's initial dream was to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly waste management, and its impact on society. However, her aspirations expanded to include empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to become change-makers in environmental protection. She aims to go beyond awareness and actively contribute to building capacity among the community.

Challenges and Advantages as a Woman in Leadership:

Being a woman leader in a male-dominated field posed both challenges and advantages for Souksaveuy. Initially, some people underestimated her capabilities due to her gender and age. However, as they witnessed her work and dedication, these misconceptions were dispelled. On the advantage side, Souksaveuy believes that women leaders bring a unique perspective, paying attention to crucial details and leading with empathy and kindness. She believes these qualities make a difference in effectively guiding teams toward achieving shared goals.

No Regrets, Only a Desire to Do More:

When asked if she would have done anything differently, Souksaveuy confidently states that she would not change her path. She believes she is on the right track in raising awareness about environmental issues and helping communities. However, she expresses a desire to find more motivated individuals to join her cause and amplify their impact.

Future Aspirations:

Beyond her work with Zero Waste Laos, Souksaveuy dreams of becoming a gardener. Her passion for gardening and planting aligns seamlessly with her organization's goals of environmental protection and sustainability. While she acknowledges that dedicating more time to gardening may be a future pursuit, her focus remains on empowering communities and advocating for environmental change.

Conclusion:

Souksaveuy Keotiamchanh's journey as the founder of Zero Waste Laos showcases her unwavering commitment to environmental protection and community engagement. As a woman leader, she has overcome challenges and leveraged her unique perspective to make a positive impact. Souksaveuy's exceptional contributions have been recognized globally, and in 2022, she was honored with the prestigious Women of the Future Awards South East Asia in Singapore. Notably, she is the only woman from Laos to win in the ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) category. This accolade further underscores her dedication and leadership in driving sustainable change in her home country and beyond. Souksaveuy's story serves as an inspiration to young women aspiring to create change in their respective fields, while emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and striving for a sustainable future.

Click here to find out more about Zero Waste Laos