An Explore Asia event that became an energetic dialogue
When Dr. Boualaphet walks into a room, you wonder for a fleeting moment how this
unpretentious woman who prefers to be called Nong has accomplished so much for one so
young. Her partners in Village Focus call her the heart and soul of the organization. Her
recognition last year as a Nobel Peace Prize nominee is validation for her
accomplishments.
Nong gave up the opportunity to be a doctor in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and a position
that would have come with prestige and an easy life. Instead, she spends her time and
enormous energy managing multiple projects and inspiring village people to embrace leadership
and change that will improve their lives.
 In the villages she can
be the voice for basic health and education. She believes women hold the key to change and
it is here that her passion is focused. As she succinctly phrases it, “if you want change, you
work with the women. In our projects, the tribal head man doesn’t sit on the council that runs
the projects.”
Nong won over her Seattle audience immediately with her self-deprecating story that she
wanted to see the Queen of Ice Cream when she was in New York and that it took some time
for her guide to figure out she meant the Statue of Liberty.
When she stands in front of a crowd of strangers, it’s hard to believe this is her first trip
outside of Asia. She definitely impressed our guests. After a few introductory remarks, she
and co-founder Todd Sigaty fielded questions in a lively dialogue that excited and engaged
people.
If we had not already been committed to supporting Village Focus, this evening with
a woman of passion and compassion who is truly making a difference would have sold
us.
Comments by Dr. Nancy Harkrider, Explore Asia partner
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