Smiling middle-aged woman in dark coat and red earrings standing in a sunlit park
Samtso Sanmu (Tibet, China, 2022-23) specializes in women's empowerment through beekeeping and marketing varietal honey. (T.J. Ushing/UC Davis)

Queen Bee of Shangri-La: My Humphrey Journey at UC Davis

  • by Samtso Sanmu, Humphrey Fellow (2022-23)

As a mother of two young children and a social entrepreneur and community influencer in Tibet for over a decade, my Humphrey Fellowship at UC Davis has been an invaluable experience that has shaped my personal and professional growth. I have focused on women's empowerment through beekeeping and marketing varietal honey by descriptive honey tastes to zero-use pesticides to produce unadulterated honey in Shangri-La.

Three people in storage room examining open boxes; man in cap points, yellow bins on shelves.
Samtso Sanmu (Tibet, China, 2022-23) and colleagues discuss American beehive boxes and the natural log hives commonly used in Tibet. (Photo courtesy of Samtso Sanmu)

During my year at UC Davis, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, meet inspiring people and gain valuable knowledge and skills. From attending numerous academic conferences, workshops and trainings, to auditing classes on digital marketing, childhood nutrition and community regional development, and even taking credit courses in international project management, I have been able to broaden my perspective and expand my knowledge in a diverse range of topics.

I am grateful to the program coordinators for providing me with opportunities to participate in the World Climate Simulation and to take on the role of a senior UN official general secretary to make remarks to the group. They also appointed me to give a short speech at the Fulbright and Humphrey Reception at the end of the program, allowing me to share my unique culture and knowledge on the global stage.

Three smiling people at graduation; graduate in cap and gown holding diploma
Celebrating her completion of the UC Davis Humphrey Fellowship Program, Samtso Sanmu (middle) is joined by Joanna Regulska (left), vice provost and dean of Global Affairs, and Michael Lazzara (right), associate vice provost of academic programs and partnerships for Global Affairs.

As a Tibetan woman who grew up in a tent accompanied by sheep and yaks, I never imagined that I would have the ability to lead local women in raising bees naturally and contribute to sustainable development. This experience has not only been for my advancement but for many girls and women to know that they too can make a positive impact in the world.

In conclusion, the Humphrey Fellowship has been a transformative experience for me both personally and professionally, allowing me to broaden my horizons and explore my passion for sustainable development. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to continue making a positive impact in the world as the Queen Bee of Shangri-La.

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Fellowship & Professional Programs

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Humphrey