Yen Le

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow, Class of 2021

  • Home country: Vietnam
  • College and degree: Bachelors in Environmental Technology - Vietnam National University of Science (VNU-HUS)
  • Current position: Former community based project coordinator at Save Vietnam's Wildlife; Individual public engagement consultant
  • Specialization: Community based natural resource management, public engagement, social behavior communication 
What is the most memorable or impactful experience of your career so far? 

I was honored to be awarded as the 2019 ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Leader by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity as a young leaders in biodiversity conservation from Southeast Asia. 

What impact do you want to make in your country?

My goal is to stop the current increasingly serious situation of wildlife trafficking in Vietnam as well as across Southeast Asia through social and behavior change communication and community engagement programs.

How do you think your Humphrey Fellowship and your time at Cornell will help boost your career? 

Joining the Humphrey Fellowship at Cornell University will enhance my skills and knowledge and will help me get the insight needed to bridge existing knowledge gaps and learn best community engagement practices in regard to natural resources. In doing so, it will guide me to reduce conflicts between humans and nature. Additionally, the Humphrey Fellowship will provide an opportunity to develop a great professional network. As a result, I can confidently work towards building an applied natural resource management based community and increase my leadership in this field. 

What does public service mean to you?

Public service entails a service that is performed for the benefit of the public, community service, human, society and environment to ensure sustainable development. 

Tell us a fun fact about you. 

I love cycling and can do a 100km bicycle ride. 

What is your personal motto? 

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we should dance. 

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