Page 14 - 2020-Women and Teens of the Year Program Booklet

MIS SION AWARD

KHINE Z AW

The Burmese-born businesswoman, active Lehigh Valley
volunteer, and mother Khine Ngwe Hnin Zaw not only
runs Khineder Creations, an Emmaus shop that special-
izes in producing chemical-free bath, beauty, and hair-care
products, but also maintains a hectic volunteer schedule,
working with Women United, the Allentown Boys and
Girls Club, and Valley Against Sex Trafficking (VAST).
Remarkably, she has intertwined these interests into
one focal point: Khineder Creations, which opened in
2017, employs survivors of sex trafficking, smuggling,
and domestic violence to help produce and ship the
products worldwide. The store sources products from a
variety of Pennsylvania fresh organic farm produce. Zaw
is eager to support the small businesses and local farms that support her business.
What helps her maintain her equilibrium? “Meditating in the morning and before
going to bed really helps me stay grounded and keep going with hope and positive at-
titude,” she says. “And that energy allows me to contribute to my community with better
service, dedication, and sustainable outcomes.”
Zaw came to the U.S. in 2013 after obtaining her Ph.D. in Human Security from
University of Tokyo. In the past decade, she’s traveled to over 30 countries as a humani-
tarian worker and researcher. While working as a senior officer for women and children
at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), she focused on empowering
women, especially mothers and homemakers who, because of heavy responsibilities,
were not able to work outside their homes.
She continues her advocacy work. As a post-doctoral research fellow, she researches
sustainable solutions to irregular migration and reintegration of migrant workers’ fami-
lies in developing countries. She also advocates for the rights of indigenous people, and
appears as a speaker and panelist at international conferences and symposia.
Fittingly, Zaw blends the outdoors with her interest in helping women. “I enjoy
spending time in nature alone,” she says. “I love connecting with women/teachers who
are on the same or similar journey with the same energy. I’m always cooking and love
sharing good food and talk about Burmese culture over meals with friends.”