Learning, Leading, Lifting: Toukkata’s Journey to Empower and Inspire

Growing up in a modest household in Savannakhet province, Toukkata’s world was shaped early on by her curious nature and a steadfast commitment to realize her dreams.

Her family lived in a simple wooden home surrounded by tall trees—situated near a local guesthouse. As far back as she could remember, confused visitors—often foreigners—would wander up to their door, mistaking her home for the guesthouse. They would often ask for directions, speaking in languages she didn’t yet understand—an experience that stirred something in her. 

Young Toukkata became increasingly fascinated by these encounters, wondering who these visitors were, where they came from, and how she could communicate with them. Eager to understand and connect, she turned to her grandfather, a French speaker, asking, “How can I talk to them too?” That question marked the beginning of her journey into languages—and into the world.

She began learning French from her grandfather and later enrolled in a bilingual programme at her local secondary school. Spanish came next, taught by a friend. English soon followed—after 10 months of extra classes and self-study, aided by a smartphone she had saved up for. “Buying a smartphone is expensive,” she said. “So, I told myself—why not use it to learn and create a better future?”

Her passion for learning never waned, even as life presented its challenges. At 15, Toukkata took on her first job to support her family and became an adoptive mother to her infant niece. From kitchen work to guiding tourists etc, she never shied away from hard work and always striving to lift up those around her while inching closer to her goals.

While studying French linguistics from high school through university, she also served as Head of Volunteers at the Savan Center—a youth space supported at the time by the Finnish government. The Center welcomed all young people—regardless of backgrounds, including all genders and persons with disabilities —it offered a platform to share, connect, and seek support. Toukkata became a familiar face, listening to others, offering advice, and quietly growing her own voice along the way.

After graduation, she landed a job as an interpreter with The HALO Trust, an international demining organization that is working to find and remove bombs left over in Laos from the second Indochina War, and it was an opportunity that excited her deeply. “I loved the job,” she said. “But I wanted to do more to connect people, to coordinate, to help partners work better together.”

It was her colleague, Sian Mullen—a British woman who recognized her potential—who introduced her to a unique opportunity: the UK Embassy Women’s Leadership Mentoring Programme 2025.Launched in early March 2025, the Programme paired young Lao women with female leaders from international organizations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Organization for Migration Organization (IOM), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The call for applications had been shared on Facebook—a chance Toukkata had almost missed.

Despite living near a noisy road, she recorded several takes of her video application on her phone until one was clear enough. Doubts crept in—was she good enough? But she remembered her colleague’s belief in her. She clicked submit.

Weeks later, a message arrived: she had been selected.

She traveled to Vientiane for the first time to attend the mentorship launch event at the British Embassy, where she met her mentor: Shairi Mathur, Head of Office at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. The two were paired because of their shared interests and Toukkata’s drive. Though they lived far apart, they met regularly online and scheduled informal check-ins.

“My mentor has given me such invaluable support,” Toukkata shared. “I could text her any time I needed guidance or felt unsure. She helped me figure out what I truly wanted and how to go after it.”

Together, they created a plan with clear, achievable goals. Toukkata wanted to grow in her career, become a liaison officer, improve her strategic thinking, and build confidence. Slowly but surely, progress followed. And recently, after silencing her own inner questions she applied for the position she had dreamed of.

She got the job.

Today, Toukkata is a Liaison Officer with The HALO Trust. Two of her three goals have already been met. The last one is a building confidence, and it is a journey she continues, with strength and intention.

“Working with youth from so many different backgrounds has taught me that we all need someone to listen to us, to believe in us, and to help us grow,” she said. “I may not have all the answers, but I know now—the most important voice you must hear is your own. And the road becomes a little less daunting when you know you’re not walking it alone.”

On June 24th, 2025, Toukkata stepped into the UN House for the very first time—a quiet but powerful milestone in her journey. Meeting her in person was more than just a moment; it was a vivid reminder that hope, perseverance, and the right support can turn even the smallest voices into powerful forces for change.

Her story is not just about personal triumph, it’s about what becomes possible when someone dares to believe in themselves and is met with belief from others.