Keoamphone “Keo” Souvannaphoum is a development leader with more than 20 years of experience in Lao PDR and the wider Mekong region. Her work focuses on advancing gender equality, strengthening civil society and supporting community-led development. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with communities and development partners to promote more inclusive policies and practices, particularly those affecting women, girls, children and young people. As Country Director of CARE International in Lao PDR, Keo provides strategic leadership for the organisation’s work to address poverty and inequality and to expand opportunities for women and girls. She is committed to ensuring that communities—especially groups whose perspectives are often underrepresented—can participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives. Her involvement in the development sector is grounded in a strong personal commitment to creating positive change and influencing decisions that advance equal rights, opportunities and social justice. Before joining CARE International, Keo served as Country Director of ChildFund Laos, where she led programmes supporting children, young people and their communities. Her professional journey has given her extensive experience in organisational leadership, programme strategy, partnership-building and advocacy across the development sector. Keo holds a Graduate Certificate in Childhood and Youth Studies from Southern Cross University in Australia and is a graduate of Duke University’s international public policy programme in North Carolina, United States.