Rebecca Derry: Empowering Women and Nurturing Dreams in Laos

Meet Rebecca Derry, a dedicated professional who has made it her life's mission to uplift communities and pave the way for women in leadership roles. As the Country Director for World Education in Laos, PDR, Rebecca's journey from a nurse in America to a trailblazing country director has been marked by resilience, inspiration, and a passion for creating positive change.

Laos

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Laos 〰️

Rebecca Derry's career path is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Originally a nurse in the United States, she felt a deep urge to contribute to healthcare systems in different countries. As her career evolved, she transitioned into leadership roles, eventually becoming a country director for various organizations. Reflecting on her experiences, Rebecca says, "I've started becoming a country director for different organizations and I've really enjoyed the challenge of that."

Fostering Growth and Mentorship

One of Rebecca's proudest achievements is her ability to mentor and nurture staff, helping them grow into their roles. She takes immense pride in seeing her team members flourish and thrive under her guidance. For her, success isn't just personal accomplishments but the collective growth of those she mentors.

Inspired by Strength and Compassion

Rebecca's journey has been shaped by the influence of remarkable women who inspire her. Growing up in Taiwan, she encountered Bev, the woman running a small orphanage. Bev's tireless dedication to caring for numerous babies left a lasting impression on Rebecca. "She somehow loved every one of those babies and just poured herself into them. And she never slept. I just thought she was the strongest woman I had ever encountered," Rebecca recalls. Bev's unwavering dedication ignited Rebecca's own desire to create a positive impact.

Guiding Advice for Young Women

To young women embarking on their careers, Rebecca offers valuable advice: pursue a path that aligns with your passions while remaining practical. Finding the balance between what you love and what serves the community is key to achieving fulfillment.

Dreams Realized and Lessons Learned

Rebecca's childhood dreams of becoming a veterinarian took a different route, leading her to a fulfilling career in nursing and international development. Her aspiration to live overseas and make a meaningful impact on people's lives has been fully realized. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that she would have approached her early leadership roles with more confidence and assertiveness, aiming to make her mark more boldly.

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Leadership

Navigating the corporate and nonprofit worlds as a woman has not been without challenges. Being a country director in her early thirties put Rebecca in a position where she had to overcome traditional expectations of leadership. She mentions that these challenges have not disappeared over time, emphasizing that women still face unique obstacles in leadership roles.

Challenging Environments and Lasting Impact

Of all the countries Rebecca has lived in, Bangladesh posed the most significant challenges. Cultural barriers and gender bias made it difficult to advocate for women's empowerment. In a male-dominated landscape, she encountered resistance while striving to bring more women into leadership roles. The experience further fueled her determination to pave the way for gender equality.

World Education's Vision and Impact

World Education, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, focuses on education initiatives worldwide. In Laos, World Education has taken a unique approach by integrating healthcare and education projects. This includes supporting disability initiatives to improve healthcare access and infrastructure, developing curriculum to educate students about Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) safety, and offering financial support to victims of UXO accidents.

Shaping the Future

Looking ahead, Rebecca Derry envisions a foster system in Laos to provide better support for abandoned infants. Her passion for making a difference remains undiminished, and she is determined to continue advocating for change that uplifts individuals and communities alike.

Rebecca Derry's journey from nurse to country director is marked by a steadfast commitment to creating meaningful change. Her story is one of resilience, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of better opportunities for all. Through her leadership and determination, Rebecca Derry continues to shape a future where empowerment and growth know no bounds.