Executive Chair

Lydia Chim is a proud Cambodian-American committed to empowering Cambodian youth and amplifying the voices of Cambodian scholars. As a founder and the Executive Chair of Trellis Academic, she brings strategic vision and deep expertise in public policy leadership, high-stakes regulatory compliance, and education diplomacy.

Lydia’s professional background spans senior roles in federal government, nonprofit leadership, and financial oversight — including managing multi-million-dollar government programs, building policy frameworks for education-focused organizations, and leading strategic planning initiatives. Her work with both Boston Public Schools and a leading nonprofit in the STEM education space has made her an expert in international best practices for education policy and impact, with a focus on operational excellence and measurable outcomes. These initiatives have collectively impacted tens of thousands of students.

As a founder of Trellis Academic, Lydia helped build the organization’s mission from the ground up. Her leadership ensures the long-term sustainability of Trellis’s vision, aligning strategic operations with a clear commitment to equity, excellence, and youth empowerment. She is driven by a belief that educational opportunity is the most powerful lever for sustainable, community-rooted change.

University of Southern California, Masters of Public Administration

Brown University, B.A. Political Science, Economics

Director of Educational Programs

Taylor Coplen is a PhD candidate in the History of Science at Harvard University with over a decade of experience in international admissions counseling. His background in education spans from working with young learners to advising adults, and he has led students from diverse backgrounds to top universities in the U.S., U.K., and Asia.

Through his doctoral training, Taylor refined his teaching and curriculum design skills by leading discussion sections, delivering lectures, and advising Harvard undergraduates on senior theses. He also specializes in digital humanities, with expertise in generative AI and advanced OCR technologies. He designs and teaches courses on these subjects to audiences ranging from high school students to university faculty.

Taylor’s passion for Cambodian education stems from both his professional experience and his academic research on Cambodian history, culture, and language. At Trellis, he leads curriculum development, counselor training, and guided research mentorship with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and equity.

Harvard University, Ph.D. Candidate, History of Science

University of Hong Kong, M.A. China Development Studies

University of Chicago, B.A. History of Science, Philosophy

Director of Operations & Development

David Stevenson leads the development and implementation of strategic partnerships for Trellis, drawing on over a decade of experience in strengthening educational institutions across Southeast Asia. At Trellis, he plays a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach, fostering collaborations with schools and government agencies, and ensuring that programs are locally grounded while meeting international standards. His work supports Trellis’s vision of delivering transformative academic experiences and building long-term institutional capacity in Cambodia and the region.

David’s career has centered on aligning education systems with global best practices through cross-sector collaboration, curriculum integration, and policy support. He has also developed initiatives that link educational programs with sustainable agricultural development, helping strengthen rural livelihoods and market access across the region. As a board member of an international business chamber in Cambodia, David has helped facilitate partnerships that connect the private sector with sustainable development goals, including a notable collaboration with UN Women to promote gender equity in business leadership. His contributions to high-level policy discussions and his hands-on engagement in workshops and planning sessions reflect a deep commitment to educational equity and reform. Through a strategic and regionally attuned approach, David continues to advance innovative educational models that respond to both local priorities and global challenges.

University of Advancing Technology, BSc Computer Science

Board Member

Senyint Chim brings decades of dedication to education to his role on the Trellis Board. A retired mathematics teacher with over 30 years of service in California’s public school system, he has long been a mentor and advocate for students both inside and outside the classroom.

Since retiring, Senyint has continued to champion education with passion and purpose. He travels annually to Cambodia, visiting rural schools to deliver free seminars that promote the value of education and encourage students and families to pursue their dreams regardless of circumstance. His personal commitment to educational access is rooted in deep belief and lived experience.

His passion, dedication, and wisdom guide every aspect of Trellis's core values and mission. As a founding board member, Senyint ensures that the organization remains true to its purpose: helping students grow, thrive, and reach their full potential through transformative academic mentorship.

San Diego State University, B.A. Accounting

National University, M.A. Teaching