Sanary Phen, Workforce Development Program Coordinator

Poet, writer, and storyteller, Sanary Phen was born in a refugee camp in Thailand during the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia. She and her family emigrated to the United States in 1981 and resettled in Lowell, which has been home for more than 35 years. Sanary has a deep love and appreciation for the community and takes pride in giving back to the city and its people.

She has over 15 years of experience in social work and the nonprofit sector and is currently working for Coalition for a Better Acre as their Workforce Development Coordinator. Sanary is also a freelance writer for the Lowell Sun and a dedicated volunteer with the Cambodian American Literary Arts Association. She is working closely with Hayley Barrett, CBA’s part-time Program Associate for the Workforce Development Program.