Based in northern Thailand, Alexandra is the cofounder of Daughters Rising and founder of Chai Lai Orchid. Daughters Rising is an NGO that empowers at-risk girls and women to end trafficking and exploitation in their communities and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Daughters Rising believes that collaboration and long-lasting relationships that respect local culture are the best ways to enact meaningful change. The NGO works with the most at-risk populations in northern Thailand - ethnic minority women and refugees in underserved communities. Their aim is to create as many opportunities as possible for the women and girls they support, in order to encourage them to become strong leaders and advocates. For this reason, Daughters Rising’s approach is multifaceted: education, employment and outreach.
Daughters Rising is supported by the Chai Lai Orchid eco-resort and elephant rescue located in the mountains of northern Thailand, offering visitors the opportunity to discover unspoilt nature, bathe with rescued elephants and learn about indigenous Karen culture. As a social business, the Chai Lai Orchid provides a safe home, education and employment to marginalized women. The Chai Lai Orchid believes in protecting the environment, local communities and the elephants it cares for. The Chai Lai Orchid employs at least 60% of the local community, be it as hotel staff, trekking guides or elephant carers. 100% of its profits are used to fund Daughters Rising. Alexa been living in northern Thailand since she first launched the Chai Lai Orchid as a job training center and safe house just over 10 years ago.
Previously, she worked as a photographer in NYC and a production assistant at the Sundance Film Festival. It is her passion for humanitarian work however that propelled her on numerous adventures throughout the world, working with nonprofits from Germany to Nepal. Now settled in the mountains of Chiang Mai with her young family, Alexa spearheads Daughters Rising initiatives, develops RISE Workshops, overseas the hotel operations, and runs the training and educational programs at the Chai Lai Orchid.
