The Heart Behind the Foundation

Introducing our Founder

Pornwara Khongraktee
Founder - Executive Director
The journey that led me home
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"I spent most of my adult life in Human Resources, starting in five star hotels where I learned what it means to build systems around people and still try to keep their humanity intact. Over the years, I worked my way up to become an HR Director in Bangkok, and eventually joined UN Women, recruiting experts across Asia and the Pacific.
It was meaningful work. I was proud of it. But somewhere along the way, I started to feel a quiet pull, a sense that while I was helping from afar, I was no longer close to the people whose lives I wanted to change. I grew up in a small rubber tapping village in Trang, and I could not forget the faces of the children there who still carry too much responsibility and too little hope.
So I went home. I left the city, built a bamboo hut on my family’s land, and began again. Together with my husband, we started the Lorliang Cheewa, which means nurturing life. Our goal is simple, to give rural children what poverty often steals first, the belief that their lives can be different.
At a small village school, we run the Dare to Dream program, helping kids understand their feelings, build confidence, and imagine their future with curiosity rather than fear. Some of them now study at free quality boarding schools in other provinces, a chance that truly changes everything.
Around us stretch endless plantations that rely on chemical fertilizers, but on our small piece of land, we are growing a food forest instead, a place that feeds both body and soul. The neighbors think we are a bit crazy. Maybe we are. But for the first time, life feels deeply aligned with what matters most."
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Our Team
A leadership team shaped by diversity and shared purpose.

Nathan Lacroix
Position: Co-Founder
Profession: Consultant
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Panasmanee Jitchuen
Position: Board Member
Profession: Human Resources Manager, Amari Hotel

Raphatthorn Geier
Position: Board Member
Profession: Director of Talent and Culture, Rosewood Bangkok Hotel

Thana Uthaipattrakoon
Position: Board Member
Profession: Lecturer and Natural Building Project Manager at Assomsilp Institute of Arts

Mira Suwanna Rasmussen
Position: Board Member & Marketing Advisor
Profession: Sales & Marketing Advisor at CostBits
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Papatchaya Awaiyawanon
Position: Board Member & Legal Advisor
Profession: Lawyer
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Napapan Der Kinderen
Position: Board member & Project Consultant
Profession: Consultant/Independent Researcher

Pantiwaporn Srijunthong
Position: Board Member & Health Consultant
Profession: Public Health Technical Officer

Sasiphak Klamsrithong
Position: Board Member
Profession: Farmer and Hairdresser

Lukkhana Pimvaen
Position: Board Member & Treasurer
Profession: Accountant & Independent Tax Planning Consultant
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Phrakhrumaha Charanya Sukkan
Position: Board Member
Profession: Abbot / District Chief Monk of Wang Wiset District
Organizational and Legal Status
Lorliang Cheewa Inc. is a U.S.-registered nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Our work in Thailand is carried out by our local team under Lorliang Cheewa (หล่à¸à¹€à¸¥à¸µà¹‰à¸¢à¸‡à¸Šà¸µà¸§à¸²), serving children, families, and communities in Trang Province. Registration of Lorliang Cheewa Foundation in Thailand is currently underway.Lorliang Cheewa Inc. supports and funds our charitable programs in Thailand, including education, community development, life skills, and initiatives that improve opportunities for vulnerable children and families.
U.S. nonprofit: Lorliang Cheewa Inc.U.S. tax status: IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charityEIN: 42-2766576
Thailand operations: Lorliang Cheewa (หล่à¸à¹€à¸¥à¸µà¹‰à¸¢à¸‡à¸Šà¸µà¸§à¸²), local teamThai foundation status: Registration in progress
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