Quiet Cambodian Girl Who Found her Voice with Nan (Samantha) Le

Samantha Le—Nan at home, Sam at work—is the Vice President of Operations at Sagewind Capital, a New York–based private equity firm she’s called home since 2018. There, she leads firmwide operations across HR, IT, and everything in between. Before stepping into the world of private equity, Nan cycled through 10 full-time jobs, 8 part-time jobs, and 6 gigs—viewing work as a survival tool more than a calling. It paid the bills, helped her support family, and taught her how to keep going.She was the first in her family to earn a college degree, graduating from UCLA with a BA in English at 26. At 40, she completed her MBA in Finance from Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business. For Nan, it’s never too late to become who we’re meant to be—or to decide that who we are is already enough.Outside the office, Nan finds joy in cycling, sewing, and storytelling. She’s passionate about cultural reclamation and healing intergenerational trauma—especially within the Cambodian diaspora. Her creative work braids memory, identity, and transformation through personal essays and handmade fashion rooted in Khmer textiles. She’s currently learning to read and write in Khmer, reclaiming the language her parents once carried across an ocean.Through storytelling, a growing Khmer American wardrobe, and community connection, Nan is committed to honoring her past while shaping a future that feels both joyful and true.Connect with Nan on Instagram https://instagram.com/samle_v101 and LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/samanthayleRead Nan's Substack https://samanthale.substack.com/------------Learn Khmer with the ReanKhmer app! This is what I’m using to increase my proficiency. Hosting an event in Canada? Use Bloom Tickets to sell your tickets, like me! Here's my referral link.Let's connect on Instagram @KhmerVoicesDo you have an inspiring story you'd like to share on Khmer Voices? DM me on social.Intro and outro music by https://pixabay.com/users/chhuchchhuch-26181660/