The International Institute of New England joins the many friends, family, and colleagues mourning the loss of Dahvy Tran Pech earlier this month.
In the two years that Dahvy served as IINE-Lowell’s youth program manager her impact was felt deeply by clients and staff. Sherry Spaulding, IINE-Lowell’s education manager says of Dahvy:
“She made a tremendous difference in the lives of many of our youth who were refugees from Iraq, Burma, Somalia, Congo and other countries. She was the type of selfless person who cared so much for others and was extremely empathetic to the challenges our refugee youth faced. She made them feel safe and special, and helped them build confidence and leadership skills.”
After her work with IINE, Dahvy served for five years as the Executive Director of Lowell’s Cambodian dance ensemble, the Angkor Dance Troupe, later joining its Board of Directors. She also served on the Boards of the Southeast Asian Water Festival, Lowell Cultural Council, Coalition for a Better Acre and Mill City Grows.
In 2018, IINE proudly named Dahvy to “The Lowell 100,” a list of honorees recognized for their important contributions to the city’s refugee and immigrant communities, compiled for IINE-Lowell’s 100-year celebration.
IINE is grateful for Dahvy’s mentorship of our clients, and for all of her service and leadership. She will be profoundly missed.
