KhmerTalk

In this episode, we talk with Chanjolee “Joe” Bushnell the Deputy Mayor for the City of Tacoma, Washington and the first Cambodian-American elected to the Tacoma City Council, representing District 5 since November 2021. A lifelong Tacoma resident and graduate of Stadium High School, Joe continued his education at The Evergreen State College with a focus on political science and economics. Before entering public office, Joe served more than a decade in the United States Marine Corps, working in ammunition logistics. His military service shaped his leadership style, emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and public responsibility. In addition to his role on the City Council, Joe serves on several regional boards, including as Chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Board of Health. His work centers on housing affordability, community safety, environmental health, and inclusive governance. Joe continues to bring his lived experience as a veteran, community member, and son of a Cambodian refugee family into every aspect of his public service. KhmerTalk Host: Srey Kray KhmerTalk Special Guest: Deputy Mayor for the City of Tacoma, Washington Chanjolee “Joe” Bushnell Set Designer: Srey Kray Orn Phin Michael-Te Chieng Music By: Ryan O'Neal - Music at http://www.slipperylee.com Serey Im - Roneat Executive Producer: Chenda Ouch Srey Kray Michael-Te Chieng Executive Director: Michael-Te Chieng Assistant Director: Orn Phin Phally Soeung Social Media Director: Zakiya Robinson KhmerTalk Board Member: Chenda Ouch Phally Soeung Nek Kru Darachan Ros Hak-Ry Srey Jenda Kong Srey Kray Orn Phin Rady Mey Oum Samuel Danh Keo Chhim Michael-Te Chieng

In this episode, we talk with Ley Dy Chim—a Cambodian refugee, community advocate, and former Ms. Asia Platinum of Washington. Dedicated to uplifting culture and service, Ley moved to the Pacific Northwest in the fifth grade and later earned a Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design. She currently works in Quality Assurance at Boeing. A proud wife and mother of three, Ley is also a passionate community volunteer. Her pageantry journey includes titles such as Ms. Asia WA Platinum, NW Royal Miss, and Mrs. Snohomish County. Beyond the stage, she has emceed Cambodian cultural events, collaborated with designers and photographers, and modeled for local brands. She currently serves as a Board Member for the Lake Stevens Kiwanis. Through fundraisers, cultural celebrations, and leadership, Ley continues to amplify Khmer voices while bridging generations.generations.

In this episode, we interview Bong Angelina Lim is a respected real estate professional whose success reflects a foundation built on family values, cultural heritage, and unwavering integrity. Raised by a mother who was a successful businesswoman in her own time, Angelina grew up witnessing the discipline, resilience, and ethical responsibility required to build both a career and a meaningful life. Those formative influences continue to shape her professional standards and personal leadership today.With more than a decade of experience in real estate across the Puget Sound region, Angelina has built a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and client-centered service. Fluent in Cambodian and experienced in working with diverse communities, she brings cultural understanding, clear communication, and steady guidance to every transaction. Her approach emphasizes trust, long-term relationships, and ensuring that clients feel supported and confident throughout the buying or selling process. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Angelina embodies values deeply respected within the Khmer community — integrity, humility, professionalism, and what many describe as true Khmer class: carrying oneself with respect, grace, and ethical consistency in all settings. She is a devoted mother, supportive wife, trusted friend, and committed community supporter who believes success carries a responsibility to uplift others.Angelina’s journey reflects a broader Khmer story — that strong roots, cultural grounding, and ethical leadership can guide both professional achievement and meaningful contributions to family and community. Through her work and her example, she continues to demonstrate that success is most powerful when guided by integrity, compassion, and purpose.Angelina is also a key member of the New Year Celebration planning committee. This year is particularly special as Cambodia is the hosting nation for the festivities. As the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) prepares to kick off the Lunar New Year Celebration, Angelina has been instrumental in ensuring the show’s success. The APCC serves as a central gathering place for all Asians and Pacific Islanders to teach, share, and showcase their rich heritage. An inclusive space for immigrants, refugees, and families, the APCC works with over 47 ethnic communities. Each year, a different nation is chosen to host the Lunar New Year event at the Tacoma Dome. We are proud to invite everyone to this free celebration on February 28th, 2026, from 11 AM to 6 PM. If you are in the area, come experience this incredible day of cultural discovery!https://www.skylineproperties.com/angelinalim/https://rss.com/podcasts/khmertalk

In this episode we welcome Channdara Sos—a community leader, mentor, and global professional whose journey reflects resilience, purpose, and service. Channdara began his academic journey in Cambodia, earning a degree in Computer Science from the Royal University of Phnom Penh in 2005. With a dream to grow beyond borders, he moved to the United States, where he later earned an MBA in Finance and was selected as a distinguished student speaker at graduation. Professionally, Channdara has built an impressive career across research, healthcare, technology, and global corporations—working with organizations such as Fred Hutch Research Center, UnitedHealth Group, Expedia Group, Samsung Electronics, Microsoft, and currently as a Project/Program Manager at Amazon. Beyond his career, Channdara’s heart has always remained with the Khmer community. He has dedicated decades of service to cultural, civic, and advocacy organizations and currently serves as Chairman of the Cambodian American Community Council of WA. Please visit CACCWA at https://www.caccwa.org/ to learn more and how to help or volunteer.

In this episode, we talk with Nek Kru Darachan Ros, she is a lifelong educator, community advocate, and cultural leader whose work spans Cambodia, Thailand, and the United States. Before arriving in America, she served as a public school teacher and principal in Pursat Province, Cambodia, helping shape education systems during a critical period of national rebuilding. From 1975 to 1979, like millions of Cambodians, she endured forced labor under the Khmer Rouge regime — an experience that profoundly shaped her resilience and commitment to service. After surviving displacement, Nek Kru Darachan worked in refugee camps in Thailand as an Agency Area Supervisor with CARE at Khao-I-Dang Refugee Camp, supporting pregnant refugee women and young children. After resettling in Tacoma, Washington, she dedicated more than three decades to family services, refugee youth advocacy, language access, and cultural education. Her roles included Family Support Worker, Caseworker for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors, ESL Liaison with Tacoma Public Schools, and Lead Teacher for Cambodian language and youth programs. Beyond social services, Nek Kru Darachan is also a trained Cambodian classical dancer and dance instructor. She has organized dance troupes, trained instructors, and preserved Khmer performing arts through decades of volunteer leadership. Her life reflects a powerful bridge between survival, service, education, and cultural preservation.

In this episode, we're diving into the powerful and often overlooked story of Khmer refugees, families and individuals who fled Cambodia during and after Khmer Rouge era. Samuel’s journeys were marked by an unimaginable hardship, resilience and the search for safety and belongings. In this conversation, we'll explore personal experiences of escape, life in refugee camps and the challenges of resettlement in new countries. We'll also hear how Samuel escape from Vietnam, entered Cambodia through the chaotic city of Phnom Penh and found himself in Khao-I-Dang, Thailand’s Khmer Refugee camps. In the Camps, Samuel finds himself struggling to survive and belong. Our hopes are that our viewers by you watching or listening to this podcast, you gain a deeper understanding of Khmer history, humanity, and the enduring spirit of survival from all Khmer Rouge survivors and the hardship they may have gone through.

In this episode we are joined by Vary Siv, an accomplished social worker and law enforcement professional with over 35 years of experience bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. A pillar of the Cambodian-American community in Washington for over 45 years, Vary lives by the principle of being part of the solution rather than just pointing out obstacles. Currently serving as an International Advisor for the Cambodia Safety Solution Organization (CaMSafe) and a member of the CEO Master Club, she is a driving force behind modernizing Cambodia’s emergency infrastructure. From coordinating high-level delegations with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to her work on post-crash interventions, Vary is dedicated to bringing international 9-1-1 emergency standards to Cambodia to save lives and empower the Khmer community. If you would like to help Vary Siv to establish a 9-1-1 Emergency Response System Call Center in Cambodia. Please contact her at the number below or send her an email. Your kindness could help save lives in Cambodia! Please reach out to Vary at (206) 599-9971 or email her at [email protected].

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jeudi Boulom to discuss her latest work on wellness and intentional living. Her book serves as a comprehensive guide, merging clinical expertise with a personal perspective on building a purposeful life. Dr. Boulom excels at translating complex concepts of well-being into practical, actionable steps. Her grounded and compassionate approach offers a roadmap for anyone seeking positive change, and we are honored to explore the core principles of her philosophy.