Celebrating a Phenomenal Woman: Warawadee “Eed” Sukonpongpao-Harbich
Warawadee Sukonpongpao-Harbich, fondly known as “Eed,” is a remarkable businesswoman from Thailand who has called South Africa home for more than 25 years. Her journey is one of courage, generosity, and unwavering commitment to creating a better future for young South African men through mentorship and education.
Childhood and Inspiration
Born and raised in Thailand, Eed always carried with her a curiosity for life and a passion for learning. She pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, where she completed a Master’s Degree in Hypermedia at the University of Westminster. While her academic and professional journey prepared her for success, it was her compassion and vision that shaped the path she would later take in South Africa.
A Vision for Change
Eed’s greatest inspiration has been her dream of a South Africa free from gender-based violence (GBV). She believes strongly that to break cycles of violence, the country must invest in educating and mentoring young boys to understand healthy masculinity and embrace non-violent conflict resolution.
Motivated by this vision, she founded Heroes Academy—an organisation dedicated to shaping character, instilling core values, and developing the next generation of good men and positive role models.
Leading with Heart
As Founder and Managing Director of Heroes Academy, Eed has not only built an organisation but a family. She funds its development and operations largely from her own resources, providing more than just financial support—she offers her time, her guidance, and even her personal space to uplift others.
Heroes Academy now employs 21 people, including staff and volunteers, who are mentored and supported by Eed herself. Beyond work, she provides meals, life guidance, and personal development opportunities, earning her the affectionate nicknames “Mama Eed” and “Mama Bear.”
Impact and Legacy
Through her leadership, Heroes Academy has become a beacon of hope in communities heavily impacted by GBV. Her philosophy, “One Team, One Dream,” reflects her collaborative spirit and her belief that collective action creates lasting change.
By nurturing boys and young men to become compassionate leaders, she is planting the seeds of a future where respect, kindness, and peace form the foundation of South African society.
A Phenomenal Woman
What makes Warawadee truly phenomenal is not just her vision, but her willingness to live it every single day. She gives selflessly, leads with compassion, and invests deeply in the lives of others. For her team, beneficiaries, and community, she is more than a leader—she is family.
Warawadee “Eed” Sukonpongpao embodies the spirit of a Phenomenal Woman, proving that one person’s generosity and vision can ripple out to transform generations.
