Mei is a young Lahu woman from Kanglaung, a small Lahu village in the North of Thailand,born into a farming family that has lived off the land for generations. Her childhood was marked by the beauty of the mountains but also by the challenges of rural life—limited access to education, scarce job opportunities, and the risk of cultural traditions fading away. From an early age, she became aware of the migration problem: young people leaving for cities in search of work, abandoning traditional farming and weakening community bonds. Mei’s determination grew from this reality—she wanted to create opportunities so that staying in Kanglaung was not only possible but meaningful. Thanks to the support of Udutama, an association in Barcelona, and the initiative of Imma and her husband, Mei had the chance to study at the University of Chiang Rai. Education gave her tools, but her heart remained with her community. For Mei, learning was never a way to escape, but a responsibility to return. Her leadership is quiet but powerful: she listens, values the wisdom of elders, and inspires trust among young people. Through CAFE LAHU, she envisions a future where sustainable farming, cultural pride, and women’s leadership come together to give dignity and hope to the next generation. She brings local knowledge, cultural insight, and the trust of the community. Her leadership is rooted in the vision of combining economic opportunity with cultural preservation.

An economist from Barcelona, she has worked as a financial and organizational consultant in multinational companies and in the cultural sector, while nurturing a passion for art, travel, and the wisdom of other cultures. She is non-conformist and concerned about inequalities, environmental problems and other injustices Her life changed in 2012, when she and her husband volunteered at Monsaengdao, an eco-school for at-risk girls from hill tribes in northern Thailand. There, they taught English and crafts but, as she recalls, “we learned even more from them—their generosity, solidarity, and smiles.” Upon returning home, Imma began fundraising so that some of those girls, including Mei, could pursue higher education—an almost impossible dream for their families. Over the years, Imma followed Mei’s journey with admiration. She saw her determination to return to Kanglaung and turn education into a tool for community development. Visiting her again in 2018 and 2024 confirmed that Mei’s dream had become her own: to stand by her side and help make CAFE LAHU a reality. Imma’s approach is deeply participatory: she believes that technical expertise must always respect cultural identity and community rhythms. For her, CAFE LAHU is not only about agriculture but about cultural preservation, women’s leadership, and environmental sustainability.