Cassie – Development Director
“If you’d told me in 2018, when I first joined the Ponheary Ly Foundation as Communications Officer, that I’d be writing this in 2025 as the Development Director, I probably would’ve smiled and said, “I’d love that.” Because truthfully, it’s always felt like something I’d come back to.
PLF is one of those rare organisations that gets under your skin, in the best way. The kind that doesn’t just talk about action, but lives it. The kind that listens more than it speaks. The kind that walks alongside students for the long haul, no matter how winding the path. PLF continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, and there’s something really powerful about an organization that grows with its community — not ahead of it or outside of it.
My journey in Cambodia started in 2011, when I made this beautiful country my home and co-founded Sister Srey Café, a social enterprise, with my sister. That experience showed me firsthand how business can be a force for good, creating community, opportunity, and empowerment.
Over the past seven years, my relationship with PLF has evolved alongside my own journey. From Communications Officer to Board Member, I’ve had the privilege of watching this organisation grow deeper roots and reach further than ever. And while I’ve worked with many incredible organisations across Cambodia in my 14 years here, PLF has always held a special place in my heart.
Cassie with the PLF team in 2021 while working as Communications Officer
And now, I’m coming back to where so much of that purpose was first lit.
With a background in professional fundraising, I’m deeply passionate about ethical giving, community-led development, and the magic of real partnership. I’ve spent much of my career helping people understand how to give better, more transparently, more thoughtfully, more impactfully. That work has taken many forms over the years: designing donor journeys, building grant programs, and telling stories that matter.
As Development Director, I’m here to build bridges. To connect people across the globe with the powerful, personal work happening on the ground in Cambodia. To make sure our students’ voices are heard, our programs are supported, and our mission can continue to thrive far into the future.
I’m also really energized by the opportunity to bring more supporters into this story, people who believe, like we do, that education is a lifelong journey and that every student deserves the chance to dream big and choose their own path.
Education has always been close to my heart. I was lucky to attend a great school in Australia, one that nurtured creativity, encouraged big questions, and helped me grow into myself. That experience shaped who I am, and it’s why I believe so strongly that every young person deserves access to opportunities that help them thrive.
School opens doors. It creates safety, structure, and possibility. What PLF does, making sure students not only stay in school, but thrive there, changes the trajectory of entire lives. That’s why this work means so much to me. Because when education is accessible, inclusive, and community-driven, it becomes a launchpad for whatever dreams a student chooses to pursue.
I’m so honoured to be back. And I can’t wait to build what’s next, together.”
You can meet more of our amazing team and read their stories on the People of PLF page!
Want to contribute to PLF’s continuous growth, and help propel our organization ever forward? Your donation today will contribute to crucial sustainability for the future. Check out the link: Creating Our Dream Team!
Other ways to join our mission:
For as little as $10 a month, you could contribute to the ongoing education of our students. $120 goes a long way in Cambodia: that’s 5 village children on the road to education, with access to school and clean drinking water for half a year. Or a million other things, all of which coalesce into the tools needed for life to change for the better!
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Have some questions?
Email us for a chat at [email protected]
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