Our monthly check-in with staff from around the world. Learn more about the people who work at CHAI.
Ly enjoying the Namxay Viewpoint trailhead in Vangvieng after the CHAI Lao PDR annual team retreat in October 2023.
Sompasong Phongphila
Title: Acting Deputy Country Director and Senior Program Manager, Oxygen Access and Health Emergencies
Location: Lao PDR
Start date: January 2019
Please tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to CHAI.
Everyone calls me Ly or Lily (no one remembers me as Sompasong)! For someone who loves technology, my career in public health started in a slightly unusual place. After earning degrees in Information Technology and Health Information Systems, I began applying my skills to real-world health challenges. I worked as a consultant with UNICEF early in my career, where I supported the implementation of the national immunization cold chain monitoring system. While traveling to remote health facilities, I saw firsthand how many people still struggled to access quality healthcare. The experience sparked my passion to shift fully into public health. Since 2014, I’ve worked across immunization, malaria, and digital health with UNICEF and WHO. I was initially drawn to CHAI for its dynamic problem-solving culture. In my previous role, I worked with the Lao PDR Country Director, Garrett Young (who is now my big boss)! I knew this was the kind of team where I could continue learning while making a tangible impact.
What does a typical day at CHAI look like for you?
A typical day at CHAI is a mix of busy and fun. I usually start with an iced Americano so my brain can function. Then, I go through emails, flag the ones that need my attention, and check my to-do list. I’ll usually plan lunch with whoever is in the office—the CHAI Lao PDR team really enjoys hanging out together, whether it’s catching up in the office or taking turns hosting Friday happy hours. And of course, there’s always a lot of meetings, lol!
What is your favorite thing about your career?
My favorite part is the opportunity to connect with and learn from so many talented people, some of whom have become lifelong friends. I also value the chance to grow within an organization. In 2019, I started at CHAI as an Associate on the Emergency Operations Center strengthening project. Now, in 2025, I’m serving as Acting Deputy. I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities for growth and impact anywhere else.
What was it like working in global health during a pandemic?
Most people would describe that time as difficult, almost like life had been put on pause. For me, though, it was when I grew and learned the most, knowing how many lives were on the line. It also showed me what CHAI really stands for—not just as an organization, but as a team, and as people. In day-to-day work, you don’t always have the opportunity to interact with everyone. But during the pandemic, you could see the urgency, the diversity of skills, and how many people stepped up to help through sleepless nights and challenges, always pushing forward together.
On a personal level, it taught me a lot about my own strengths and weaknesses, and the true meaning of teamwork. It’s not about failing or not being good enough; it’s about recognizing that others may bring strengths you don’t have, and how working together makes the whole team stronger.
In your experience, what skills are most crucial to succeeding at CHAI?
A willingness to learn and adapt to new environments, shifting roles, or unexpected challenges. Courage to step up, grow, and learn from others. The ability to be a sponge. To observe, listen, and absorb knowledge, because there is so much to learn if you know where to look.
What is a motto you live by?
You can’t make everyone happy. For better or worse, some things you do won’t please everyone. But if it’s for the greater good, sometimes you just have to accept that.
What are three words that describe you?
Curious, friendly, and determined!
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Sleep, please!
