Burma has taken center stage in international circles in recent months beginning with the historic elections of 2011 followed by the recent by-elections on April 1, 2012, where the National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to victory with the encouragement and leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi, herself a candidate in the elections. Change is coming rapidly to Burma as new political developments are announced at a rapid pace. How are these changes affecting the day-to-day lives of Burmese people? Join us for an informal discussion with Paula Helfrich, who has called Burma “home” for much of her life.

Paula was born and raised in Burma. The daughter of Lt. Col. Baird Helfrich, a member of the OSS during WWII, Paula spent her first 17 years in Burma living and going to school with local Burmese. Nearly five years ago Paula returned to Burma to live and work. In addition to her position at ILBC Paula also teaches the monks who follow Sitagu Sayadaw. It is through her that Sitagu Sayadaw visited the East-West Center resulting in Burmese monks participating in the Center’s APLP and degree program. She has also been active with the Aloha Medical Mission’s work in Burma. In the fall of 2011 Paula married Saw Phillip Bay Nay Zee, an ethnic Karen.

Before returning to Burma, Paula lived and worked on the Big Island for a number of years as CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii; President of the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board; CEO of Corporate Concepts and Issues Management; and with the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce on Oahu.

 Free Admission

Open to the public

Limited seating

Parking is available on U.H. Manoa Campus.