Khmer Voices

Borey Chau is a second generation Khmer American who uses art to share his perspective of Cambodian diaspora life in Califorinia. Many know him as G Funk Supreme, Long Beach, California rap artist, entrepreneur, and creative. His personal persona though includes his day job as a Mechanical Engineer. Discover how he overcame stereotypes, pursued his passions, and built initiatives to uplift his community in this episode. Borey's book:If My Eyes Could Talk They Things They Would Say https://www.blurb.com/b/9322600-if-my-eyes-could-talk-the-things-they-would-say?srsltid=AfmBOooAlUyjlSuOjcWdJQpMrSKJtkTWzbsQxB-Fg80-J7y-JLlzuSi9Borey's Instagram:@GFunkSupreme https://www.instagram.com/gfunksupreme@khummunity https://www.instagram.com/khmmunity------------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/

Thank you to Dr. Kara Uy Has, PysD for sharing her keynote presentation slides with me: Memory, Healing, and the Work of Becoming for the Khmer Diaspora Conference held March 27-29 in Lowell, MA, United States.I was wiping tears throughout her keynote and couldn't focus on writing notes. This episode offers a summary of her powerful message that set the tone for the conference, The Next 50 years: Evolving from Surviving to Thriving in the Khmer Diaspora. I also share 4 of my takeaways from the conference.Thank you to Dr. Christine Su and the planning team for organizing such a thoughtful, inspiring, and empowering conference. ------------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/

The first ever Khmer diaspora conference was held in Lowell, MA, USA from March 27 to 29, 2026, organized by Dr. Christine Su.I managed to get some time with 7 people throughout this meaningful, jam-packed weekend to ask these powerful questions, courtesy of Cathy Chen on Threads @triggeredbutcurious:Question 1: What did you once reject that you now understand differently?Question 2: Are you rediscovering parts of your heritage you once pushed away?Question 3: Are you finding new meaning in old traditions?Question 4: What part of your upbringing are you slowly making peace with?Interviewees:Linda Thach  https://www.instagram.com/lthach27Ani Vong https://www.instagram.com/ani_vLi-Da Kruger https://www.instagram.com/lidamixOussa Bun https://www.instagram.com/oussa__56Sophia Lee https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemekongPichchenda Bao https://www.instagram.com/pichchendabaopoetMinda Sam https://www.instagram.com/one.naga------------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/

Denys Meak is a second generation Khmer American born in Atlanta, Georgia to Cambodian refugees. She describes her family as self-taught artists and makers. Her passion for fashion saw her pursue and attain a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Today, she works as a Visual Merchandising Manager for a retail brand, but most in the Cambodian community know her professionally as a photographer, with the Instagram @thekhmercollective. Founded in 2021, The Khmer Collective is a traveling project where she documents the Cambodian diaspora through colorful portraits and storytelling. Denys shares her compelling journey from growing up in Atlanta's Cambodian community to navigating identity, education, and artistry. Discover how she uses her photography work to document cultural identity, foster healing, and leave a legacy for future generations.Follow @thekhmercollective on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thekhmercollectiveKhmer Diaspora Conference March 27-29, 2026 ------------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/

I share a big pivot in my life and what I plan to do with Khmer Voices and other projects. One of them is a newsletter coming out April 2026. It'll be letters I write to my younger self and to my daughter and will be related to the podcast Khmer Voices. If you're interested in receiving my letters in your inbox, DM me your email on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/khmervoicesI'll make sure you receive the link to read and to subscribe. Thank you so much for your support!------------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/

Sotheara Lim is a second generation Khmer American who grew up in Long Beach, California, home to the largest Cambodian diaspora population in the United States. You may also know him as the man behind Khmer Renaissance on Instagram, a platform dedicated to celebrating Khmer culture and identity, with careful attention to nuances.Sotheara holds a BA in English from California State University, Long Beach. A seasoned Project Management professional, his day job is in marketing as an Associate Director, Program Management.  He also founded and operates his agency, Donut Shop Creative, which focuses on building and amplifying Cambodian stories, voices, and brands.Sotheara is on a mission to uplift the Khmer community through education and opportunities! Connect with Sotheara:https://www.instagram.com/khmer_renaissancehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sothearalim------------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/

Born in a Thai refugee camp, Lin Sok arrived in Canada with her family when she was only 6 months old. They had modest means, and she recalls her early  childhood years with fondness. She and her two brothers did well in school, but when she was 18, she got pregnant and decided to move out and live with her then boyfriend. In this conversation, Lin Sok shares her insights on resilience and perspective shaped by her Cambodian Canadian upbringing in Montréal, and experiences as a single mother. She emphasizes the importance of not sweating the small stuff and finding solutions to challenges, drawing from her parents' experiences as refugees from genocide. Today, Lin is an entrepreneur, financial advisor, tech founder and community builder. As the founder of Women and Money Montréal and CEO of OWNI.ai, she blends finance, technology, and community to help people build wealth with clarity and confidence.She’s been featured in Canadian national and local news and has also written a book, The Audacity to Own It.Find her book on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Audacity-Own-Navigating-perplexities-detachment/dp/1069365505To continue developing the OWNI.ai platform, Lin is interested in talking to people who thought about buying property but didn’t - whether it was a potential first home, dream home, investment or commercial property. The purpose is to understand what held them back and how they feel about buying with someone else in order to make it happen. Book a short interview:https://calendly.com/linsok/owniLin's website https://linsok.ca/------------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/

Randy Kim is a queer Vietnamese-Khmer American storyteller and podcast host of The Bánh Mì Chronicles as well as content writer for his Substack, “Bánh Mì Bites”. His work centres intergenerational healing, identity, and uplifting voices from Asian, queer and BIPOC communities. Randy is an experienced nonprofit development professional. With a background in public storytelling and relationship-building, Randy creates spaces that honour history, build trust, and provoke reflection.Through storytelling and creative expression, Randy aims to share experiences that resonate with others and foster a sense of connection. In this conversation, Randy Kim shares his experiences navigating family dynamics, mental health, and the complexities of identity. He also delves into the themes of intergenerational trauma and grief, particularly in light of his brother's illness and passing. **Khmer community, please listen to Randy's podcast episode with guest Sina Sam regarding accountability in Khmer community spaces https://open.spotify.com/show/2ffNH2CYauLEWg0Pr4T2qDRandy's socials:https://www.instagram.com/banhmi_chronicleshttps://randykim.substack.com/https://facebook.com/BanhMiChronicles------------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/

Silong Chhun, a 1.5 generation Cambodian American from Tacoma, Washington, is an accomplished communications strategist with extensive experience driving multimedia campaigns across government, non-profit, and private sectors. He is also co-founder of the Khmer Anti-Deportation Advocacy Group and co-founder of the award winning SEA Comedy Collective comedy production company. In this episode, Silong shares his journey into government, the lessons learned from his political campaign, and the significance of his work with Panabou Digital and the Khmer Anti-Deportation Advocacy Group.Music Silong produced and recorded with Khmer artists circa 2008. https://www.silongchhun.com/music-audioOne of the best documentaries about Khmer Music https://www.dtifcambodia.com/YouTube link to purchase https://youtu.be/uWUClhqQkVoSilong and his family are featured in the Washington State Exhibition commemorating 50 years of SEA refugee resettlement in Washington state:  https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/our-voices/Silong's website https://www.silongchhun.com/Khmer Anti-Deportation Advocacy Group https://www.khaagwa.org/SEA Comedy Collective  https://www.seacomedy.com/Silong’s agency, Panabou Digital https://www.panaboudigital.com------------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/

As a 1.5 generation Cambodian American growing up in Stockton, California, Sophaline Mao was shaped by the vibrancy of her heritage and the challenges of navigating a bicultural identity. These early experiences forged her deep empathy, strong work ethic, and lifelong devotion to empowering others.Fueled by a commitment to education and self-betterment, Sophaline worked tirelessly to excel academically, ultimately earning dual graduate degrees from the University of San Francisco: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies. These achievements opened the door to an international career in the Asia-Pacific region—an experience that further expanded her worldview and strengthened her leadership.In this episode, Sophaline gives us a look into her upbringing, her journey from school to work, and her canny pursuits to live life to the fullest and with purpose.Currently practicing real estate in California, she also volunteers her time as the 2026 President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Alameda County, the Vice President of the Board for Tri-Valley Haven, and a Board Member of Caring for Cambodia.Connect with Sophaline:https://www.instagram.com/sophalinemao/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophalinemao/https://www.facebook.com/sophalinemao209/Podcast https://www.lovelistingslegacy.com/------------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/

Dorothy Chow is a second generation Cambodian American who grew up in donut shops. She described her father as the northern California version of The Donut King. Her father's detailed account of his time surviving the Khmer Rouge regime and his subsequent life in the US on their podcast Death in Cambodia, Life in America earned them international coverage in media such as the CBS Morning Show and South China Morning News. In this episode, Dorothy describes how growing up, her parents steered her and her siblings towards their Chinese heritage more than their Cambodian side, her college and career pivots, why she ultimately decided to join the family businesses, and why she started the podcast. We also covered the launch of her nonprofit organization aimed at supporting mental health resources and encouraging genocide survivors to share their stories. Learn more https://www.deathincambodiapodcast.com/Connect with Dorothy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deathincambodia/------------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/

Part 2 of 2 of Khmer Voices Turns 1 features 6 takeaways to round out my 12 takeaways of the year. I wanted to highlight more, but saving them for another episode. Enjoy, and let me know if you've got any favourite takeaways from Khmer Voices.------------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/

This is a first! This interview with me was part of a study that Saran Uthayakumar is conducting for his PhD dissertation that examines the diasporic experiences of Cambodians and Tamils. The dissertation asks: How do memories of violence and transgenerational trauma make 1.5/2nd generation refugee diaspora members more compelled or repelled from embracing identities and participating in communal healing and revival?Saran wrote, "I was influenced by my best friend, who's French Khmer, and this project idea of ours was to connect our respective communities since our peoples were displaced after genocide in very different parts of the world."Connect with Saran on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sironion/------------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/

Khmer Voices is 26 episodes in and I've been podcasting consistently for one year! To celebrate, I'm highlighting 12 takeaways from guests. This is part 1 of 2. Please share Khmer Voices podcast with someone you think might enjoy our stories. ------------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/

Sophoan Seng is a first generation Khmer Canadian, a husband, a father and he was a Buddhist monk for 14 years!In this episode, Sophoan shares his memories of growing up during the Vietnamese invasion in Cambodia. We cover his journey from his time in the monastery, his academic endeavours, and finally his work as a professional interpreter and community leader in Canada. Sophoan holds a BA in Philosophy from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Bangkok. From the University of Hawaii at Manoa, an MA in International Relations as well a Certificate from the school's Asia Pacific Leadership Program and a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy. Sophoan advocates for community engagement, human rights, and a growth mindset. He has strong opinions on these topics and shares them in this episode. Listen to this thought provoking conversation to learn, be inspired, and reflect. ------------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/

Cheerted Keo immigrated to the Netherlands with his family in 1988 when he was two years old. Today this Khmer-Dutch mural artist lives in Phnom Penh and his work has been commissioned by the likes of Air Asia, Marriott Hotels, and OCIC, to name a few. In this conversation, Cheerted shares his journey as an artist navigating cultural identity, personal growth, and Cambodian art. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of family support, and the transition from fashion to murals. Cheerted emphasizes the need for a modern visual language that reflects Cambodia's rich culture and heritage, as well as the younger generation of Cambodians whose experiences are vastly different from their parents'. He encourages others to take risks and explore opportunities in the country. The conversation highlights the significance of art in preserving culture and fostering connections within the community.Connect with Cheerted:Website https://ryysa.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ryysa_/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheerted/** An error regarding immigration year was made in the recording. Cheerted's family left Thailand for the Netherlands in 1988, not 1986. **------------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/

Cali Poeu Huynh is a second generation Khmer Krom and Sino-Vietnamese American of Teochew descent. He was born and raised in Fresno California to refugee parents and 1.5 generation refugee siblings. In this episode, Cali discusses the complexities of identity in the context of multi-ethnic backgrounds. We also cover the impact of cultural heritage, language, and historical context on personal identity, as well as the inter-ethnic tensions that can arise within diaspora communities. When it comes to his journey in his education and profession, he describes it as non-linear, i.e. majoring in Asian American Studies and Sociology in undergrad, to earning his Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology, to now working in public health with an organization that serves asthma patients, advocating for environmental justice and respiratory health. His day-to-day involves helping manage their electronic health record system and analysis with patient and health data.Outside of his 9-5 day job, Cali is a board member of the United Khmer Cultural Preservation (UKCP) in Fresno, CA, doing PR related work. He is also a performing and cultural arts enthusiast who enjoys writing, dancing, and swimming. Connect with Cali on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cph.hwinn/ and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cali-poeu-huynh-mph-cph-97022a167/------------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/

Mao Beckett (she/they) LCSW, LICSW is a liberation-centered, EMDR-certified practitioner, somatic-spiritual therapist and guide. She supports individuals in healing relational wounds, overcoming internalized oppression, and improving interpersonal connections. Through ancestral and spiritual practices, she helps folks reconnect with themselves and reclaim their voice. Her decolonized, non-pathologizing approach fosters transformation in mind, body, spirit, and community, guiding people to build ecosystems rooted in collective care and resistance to systemic harm.In this conversation, Mao shares her journey as a second generation Khmer American, reflecting on her cultural identity, family dynamics, the impact of her upbringing on her mental health, and her time in the US military.Her experiences ultimately guided her towards a career in mental health, where she aims to help others navigate their own challenges and break cycles of trauma. Mao’s website https://www.resetandresilientwellness.com/Connect with Mao on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/maobeckett_resetresilient/Decoding Crime and Culture Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/0yC4yT4IJx90SecgGIBYrp?si=2a3f90f1239d407f------------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/

Sopheaktra (Peter) Heang and I discuss the establishment of the Cambodian Cultural Centre in British Columbia, Canada which aims to reconnect and unite the Cambodian diaspora with our heritage through arts, community building, and cultural events. We reflect on the success of the Roots of Compassion event in July and the upcoming Echoes of Angkor celebration in October, emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural preservation amidst challenges - in particular, the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. The conversation highlights the vision for a vibrant community space that fosters learning, mentorship, and cultural exchange.You can learn Sopheaktra’s story in the Khmer Voices episode, It's Never Too Latehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2401003/episodes/16895816Visit https://www.cambodianculturalcentre.com/ for tickets to Echoes of Angkor, October 25, 2025.------------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/

AhNy (Kaovny) Jonas is a Cambodian-American advocate, nonprofit leader, and cultural educator based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Cambodian Legacy Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Cambodian heritage while empowering the next generation of Cambodian-Americans to embrace both their cultural roots and American identity. Through storytelling, intergenerational connection, and community-based programming, AhNy works to strengthen cultural pride and belonging for families navigating dual identities.In this episode, AhNy reflects on her experiences growing up carrying the weight of inherited trauma, her family's financial struggles, the positive impact of her teachers, and her decision to start the Cambodian Legacy Project. We also talked about the importance of hearing our parents' stories straight from them, something that AhNy didn't have a chance to do with her late father. Follow Cambodian Legacy Project on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clprojectclt/Note, this is the last episode of season 1. Khmer Voices will return on August 5 with season 2. Thank you for listening!------------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/

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/------------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/

I, Khmer Voices host, Vanny Whitchelo share my story in this solo episode. I talk about how my family moved around a lot in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada -- four times by the time I was in grade 8, my struggle to feel a sense of belonging, my career paths, and how Khmer Voices came to be.You'll also hear a voice note from a new listener, which he has approved for sharing. Thank you for listening to Khmer Voices. I hope you enjoy this episode!Along with the socials below, you can also connect with me on LinkedIn. ------------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/

Chad Sammeth is a Khmer American who has been involved in the Cambodian community over the last two decades - primarily in Long Beach, California's Cambodia Town. This started in his early twenties whilst seeking to discover and reconnect with his Cambodian heritage and roots. This episode briefly covers his journey from IT to marketing, and focuses on the influential people that shaped him, the impact he wants to make, and his hopes for the Cambodian diaspora. We also discuss the complexities of navigating cultural expectations as first generation immigrants and the importance of community engagement.Despite battling terminal cancer the past three years, Chad is still planting the seeds for the Khmer community and next generation to thrive. His journey of self-discovery has recently led him to creating the Khmer Tree podcast where he interviews people of the Cambodian diaspora. He captures his guests' personal stories, cultural traditions, and reflections on identity, heritage, and community. Find Chad on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/khmer.tree/------------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/

When Savanrith (Savan) Kong attended Lakeside School, a prestigious private school with famous alumni such as Bill Gates and Paul Allen, he entered a world he only saw on television. In this episode, while exploring the theme of privilege, Savan also notes that luck sometimes comes into play, and grit. He talks about the limited access to resources and people his Khmer friends had compared to those in his alternate more privileged world. As a child of Cambodian parents who fled to Thailand as a result of the Khmer Rouge then settling in Seattle, Washington, United States he felt the pressure to exceed the highest expectations. A keener, go-getter, and always having a hard time slowing down, Savan's resume spans the private sector, where he built, scaled, and optimized innovative products across technology, real estate, and consumer industries. As the first employee at Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN), he co-authored a patented (US9436945B2) interactive, map-based search and advertising technology that helped define modern real estate search. He contributed to medical software development at Kareo, led consumer design at Amazon, and held executive roles at Conenza and BlogTalkRadio during their early stages.Most recently, Savan served as the first Customer Experience Officer (CXO) for the United States Department of Defense, where he led the Customer Experience Officer Portfolio Management Office. He played a critical role in shaping strategies that modernized digital services and customer interactions across the defense enterprise. His impact in the field of defense innovation was recognized with the 2024 DefenseScoop Industry Leadership Award.Savan is currently in the process of writing a memoir and releases short stories on his website SavanKong.com.Connect with Savan:LinkedIn Savanrith KongInstagram @halfway_light------------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/

Hervé Ky is a second generation French Cambodian born and raised in a suburb of Paris, France. He is the Co-Founder of Keybento, a home exchange platform that caters to families, providing them with affordable family-friendly accommodations. Hervé shares how his parents pushed him and his two sisters to excel in school, and how he had a difficult time getting a finance job in London, England because his English wasn’t strong enough. Today, he’s a polyglot communicating in French, Spanish, English, and Khmer. We covered his transition from investment banking to founding a startup with his life partner, sharing his highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He also reflects on his inspirations and aspirations of his business. A great episode for those exploring entrepreneurship, particularly in technology.Become a Keybento member at Keybento.comConnect with Keybento on Instagram and TikTok and Hervé on LinkedinFollow Herve’s partner Ilona on YouTube where she details her life and journey in building Keybento.------------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/

Ryan Samn is an Asian American writer, educator, and cultural practitioner. Ryan also runs the Instagram account @allthingscambodian where he shares impactful and insightful posts on Cambodian culture exploring themes of culture, identity, and language.In this episode, Ryan shares his career journey from starting as an English language instructor in Faa'a Tahiti, French Polynesia to now a College Recruiter, managing the Outreach office and collaborating with local high schools.We also delve into the complexities of Cambodian identity, the nuances of ethnic labels and language, and indigenous Khmer tribes. And importantly, he talked about his struggles with mental health, being bullied, and how his decisions led him to a life that not only put him in danger, but also his family. In 2023, he became a self published author and released Khmer Gat Chen - Southern Chinese Diaspora in Cambodia (a comparative study of the Chinese-Cambodian culture and I'll Be There, Too (a 45-piece debut collection of poetry). You may be interested in exploring these further:The IG of the young gentlemen who is super knowledgeable of Cambodian music: https://www.instagram.com/seihamediaThe Podcast Ryan started for Tahitian American families: https://rss.com/podcasts/te-reva-nei-au/The YouTube Channel Ryan praised for teaching us about the different ethnic groups in Cambodia: https://www.youtube.com/@Road_taste------------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/

Sopheaktra Heang (aka Peter) is a Khmer Canadian who was born in a Thai refugee camp. He moved around a lot in his childhood and didn’t establish roots until he was an adult. Like many of us koun Khmer, his parents are survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide; this along with other emotionally and psychologically traumatic events in his childhood greatly affected him. He was in with the wrong crowd, dropped out of high school, and encountered problems with the law.Returning to high school at 19 and obtaining a diploma in Financial Management at 24, Sopheaktra eventually found his path through education and entrepreneurship, starting a now thriving floral business with his wife called The Heart Company. When they started the business 11 years ago, they had no floral knowledge! Now, The Heart Company caters to large scale special events such as weddings and corporate functions. Sopheaktra also serves as the Cultural Consultant for the play Cambodian Rock Band, in Vancouver highlighting the importance of cultural representation and storytelling.Cambodian Rock Band will be in Vancouver until April 6, 2025, so although tickets are limited, there are some left at the time of publishing this episode and there’s still time to attend. Buy tickets here.Follow The Heart Company on Instagram @heartcompany604Sopheaktra's Favourite Books:Key Person of Influence by Daniel PriestlAtomic Habits - James ClearArt of Learning - Josh WaitzkinHis Favourite Youtubers:Myron Golden - Peter writes, "This channel exists for the purpose of empowering entrepreneurs and encouraging them to the great heights that can not come from anywhere else."Little Bit Better - Personal development & business books to help small business owners improve their lives and businesses.JL Jupiter - Khmer American Food Vlogger Peter's Notable Instagram InfluencersRandall Pich - Khmer American Entrepreneur. Owner of LVFT brand apparelA business podcaster Sopheaktra finds valuable:The Game with Alex Hormozi - Hosted by entrepreneur, founder, investor, author, public speaker, and content creator Alex Hormozi. On this podcast you'll hear how to get more customers.------------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/

Author of A Dozen Delicious Donuts: A Sweet Cambodian American Story, Chanda Ouk Wolf has loved reading for as long as she can remember, but growing up in the United States, she never came across stories that gave her a sense of who she is as a Cambodian American. Chanda grew up in Long Beach, California and later Lowell, Massachusetts, both home to the two largest Khmer communities in the US.  In this episode, we discuss the cultural significance of Cambodian-owned donut shops, navigating higher education and exploring different career options, her motivations for writing children's literature, and the importance of representation in literature, plus much more. Chanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Major and Legal Studies Minor as well as a Law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.Get a copy of Chanda's book and you can connect with her on Instagram @adozendeliciousdonuts------------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/

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Cheata Nao is a second generation Khmer Canadian who is pursuing a new career showcasing Cambodian cuisine. She has always been a good cook and loved hosting dinner parties since she was a teenager, but back then she was focused on learning how to master western dishes. It wasn’t until she moved away for university that she really missed her mom’s Cambodian cooking. That’s when she started experimenting and trying to replicate her mom’s delicious dishes. Cheata spent the last 17 years in the wine industry as a buyer, events manager and educator. Her love for wine started when she landed a part-time job as a sales associate at a boutique wine shop in Vancouver, BC while she was pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies at the University of British Columbia.Disappointed by the lack of representation of Cambodian cuisine on food networks, magazine publications, and in cookbooks, she’s now on a journey to bring Cambodian cuisine to people through private catering, cooking classes, and pop-ups!Food and wine go hand in hand, so of course we discussed pairings with some staple Cambodian dishes! Here are Cheata's not-so-obvious recommendations:Salaw Machu Kreung - California Zinfandel with a little age or PrimitivoKathiew - Txakoli/Txakolina  or Vinho VerdeKhmer Curry - ZibibboBok Lahong - She went with more of a classic Asian pairing with this one: Mosel Riesling (Spätlese or Auslese)Cheata's "ah-ha" wine - Lucien LeMoine Bourgogne Rouge.  Connect with Cheata:CheataCooksCambodian.comInstagram @cheatacookscambodianEmail [email protected]'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/

Heng Vay is a second generation Khmer American who was born in Los Angeles, Calfornia, spent his early teenage years in Minnesota, and then moved to Texas where he currently resides with his wife and two children. At the age of 14, Heng’s parents arranged a marriage for him. And guess what? Over 20 years later, they’re still together! Heng and his wife owned and operated a donut shop for 10 years. For a while, he was content making more than enough money to sustain his family, but he got tired of the long hours and he lost his passion for it. He did some soul searching after his father asked him a question he couldn't answer: What would you do if you didn't have the donut shop?In this episode, Heng discusses his upbringing, family obligations and shares how he is now able to fulfill his desire to help others in his career as a Physical Therapist by transforming emotional pain into purpose.Connect with Heng on Instagram @theKhmerPhysio------------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/

Rothany Sar is a first generation Khmer American who arrived in the United States via an arranged marriage. The Cambodian community here often said to her she was “so lucky” and her life was like that of a princess. But she didn’t identify with either of those labels. Was she lucky? Why didn’t she accept being a “princess?”Rothany was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. In 1992, when she was 6 years old, the camps closed and she and her family were forced to go to Cambodia. Their family of four started a new life there with only $150! You can imagine the sort of struggles they faced! Rothany shares the extraordinary story of her life then and how she got to where she is now. Today, Rothany is a Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer for a tech company that does contract work for the US government. She loves travelling the world with her family and is a passionate foodie! Connect with Rothany on LinkedIn------------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/

Mitchell Keo is a second generation Khmer American born and raised in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a Mexican neighbourhood, and never felt a connection to a community growing up. He started exploring his Asian American identity while studying biology at University of Texas at Austin. Today, Mitchell works as a software engineer and credits his love for books and Sokha, owner of Mam's Bookstore, for helping him explore his cultural identity and cultivate his very own community through his book club, Seattle Chinatown Book Club. Connect with Mitchell on Instagram or LinkedIn. Here are some of Mitchell's favourite books by Asian American authors with his comments:1) "Afterparties" by Anthony Veasna So. Incredible collection of Khmer-American based fiction short stories that touched so many fond memories of my own childhood as a Khmer-American.2) "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen. A thriller spy novel set after the Vietnam War, this book has very thoughtful themes of cultural identity, nationality, and what it means to find yourself displaced as an Asian immigrant from a war torn country.3) "Stay True" by Hua Hsu. A memoir written about a Taiwanese American man and his experience growing up in Berkeley, CA. This book has themes of grief and the ways we process grief.4) "Minor Feelings" by Cathy Park Hong. This book is a collage of personal essays that confronts Asian American identity and the politics that surround it.------------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/

Keo Sar is one of 6 children in his family. At a young age, his father who was the breadwinner got injured at work which resulted in him going on disability. To bridge the gap between disability cheques, he, his older brother, and their father would wake up early to dig in people's trash bins for cans before school started. Back then, recycling and garbage weren't separated! Kids at school called Keo, "the Cambodian Can Collector." In this episode, Keo shares his remarkable journey from being born in a Thai refugee camp to growing up in San Diego, California to now living in Belgrade, Serbia. A move to Valencia, Spain is currently in the works. Keo is a Khmer-American entrepreneur, advisor, speaker, and angel investor with over 10 years of experience scaling US-based startups (two unicorns, one acquisition) in the San Francisco Bay Area.Today he is COO and Partner at Matter Product Studio, a US-based firm focused on AI-driven digital transformation that collaborates with mid-market and enterprise clients to enhance their technology capabilities. Keo has a deep belief that talent is equally distributed but access and opportunities are not. This drives his passion to be involved in emerging markets, supporting underserved and underrepresented founders, providing mentorship in accelerators and incubators globally in the Western Balkans, MENA, and most recently in Cambodia.Keo's LinkedInFederation of Cambodian Startups FacebookTecho Startup Center------------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/

Channy Salazar is a strong, resilient, and tenacious lady from Texas, USA. She was born in Cambodia in 1973 and remembers bits and pieces of her time before arriving and settling in the US. Her recollections (at the 4 minute mark and lasting about 1 minute) are traumatic. Life wasn't easy growing up, but she had the love and support of her parents and grandparents. They instilled in her the importance of getting an education and how that will get her out of poverty. But school didn't teach her what she eventually became after 13 years in corporate: a successful entrepreneur. Channy is the founder of Resilient Edge Investments and Constructions, and alongside her husband, Adrian Salazar, the co-founder of North Texas Tint Institute, a trade school dedicated to teaching the skills of window tinting and paint protection film.Channy also recently launched the Resilient Education Initiative Scholarship, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to those seeking education at North Texas Tint Institute and supports various educational projects in Cambodia. North Texas Tint Institute https://ntxtintinstitute.com/Reslient Education Initiative https://rei-nonprofit.org/------------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/

Sokha Mov shares her journey from being born in a refugee camp in Thailand to growing up in France where she was the only Asian in her class, navigating cultural identity, and pursuing a career in law and public service. She discusses her transition to Cambodia, the challenges of adapting to life there even though she’s koun Khmer and she speaks the language with good fluency. She’s currently working at an NGO that provides a well rounded education to girls from kindergarten to post-secondary and is also an Advisor for Cambodia’s Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training. Prior to these roles, she owned and operated two businesses, worked for the French government in different Ministries, and practiced law in France. Sokha’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sokha-mov-932714bb Sokha’s mom’s restaurant, Maï https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVH2cWzfRcxsoWPn8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy------------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/

Dimary (aka Mary) Leak didn't know how to speak English when she started kindergarten. A non-satisfactory test score in grade 1 ignited her desire to perform well academically, which she did all through primary and secondary school. When it came time to decide on a career however, she didn't have a clear direction or vision, and life went on.In this episode, we talk about Mary's pivot from stay-at-home mom to working in IT, the challenges she faced (some noted above) and how she overcame them. We connected over our parents' over-protectiveness and how we navigated that. We also touched on the importance of mentorship and how that propelled her career. If you'd like to connect with Dimary, find her on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dimaryleak------------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/

Growing up, even though Soeun knew what she wanted to do, she let the words of others cloud her judgment at times. We discuss this and her journey in rediscovering herself and her heritage in her 40s. She’s gotten to a point in her career where she’s content and doesn’t know what her next move is, and we talk about navigating this. Soeun has over two decades of experience in administrative college and university positions, and currently holds the position of Director, National Recruitment and Market Development at Centennial College in Toronto, Canada. She has also served as Chair in committees relating to recruitment and diversity. Soeun holds certifications in Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Interior Design Foundations, a bachelor of Journalism (BJourn) from Toronto Metropolitan (TMU) University, and a joint master's degree from TMU and York University in Communications and Culture. ------------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/

In this episode, Marpheen Chann shares his personal story of growing up in rural Maine, US which includes foster care and being adopted by a religious white working class family, the trauma his family experienced as a result of the Khmer Rouge, and his journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection.Marpheen Chann works in the nonprofit and advocacy sector as Executive Director and Founder of Khmer Maine and does consulting work for nonprofits and political campaigns. He's also an award-winning author and speaker on intersectionality, inclusion, and belonging. Marpheen's instagram --  www.instagram.com/marpheenchannMarpheen's coming of age book https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Full-Modern-Day-Coming-Age-ebook/dp/B0BGYJY3GW?ref_=ast_author_dpPodcast - SoftSpokenWebsite - www.marpheenchann.com------------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/

Thea Em shares her journey from being a refugee in Canada to becoming a nurse. While she was studying, she was involved in a serious car accident that left her in a coma and affected her memory. She faced other hurdles on top of these, and she shares how she got through them in this episode. ------------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/

Khmer Voices shines a spotlight on the achievements of the Khmer diaspora around the world. We chat with inspiring guests who are achieving success in their fields. From entrepreneurs and artists to community leaders and techies, we’ll explore their paths to success and the unique challenges they’ve overcome. Representation matters! And through these conversations, I aim to amplify the voices of the Cambodian community, inspire the next generation, and showcase the diverse talents and contributions of Khmer people worldwide.------------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/