Khmer Voices

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 t...

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?<...

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 At...

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/khmervoices

I'll make sure you receive the link to read and to subscribe. 

Thank you so much for your support!

...

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 a...

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...

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 experien...

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-audio

O...

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 ex...

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 si...

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.

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Khmer Voices Live in Hamilton July 5, 2026 https://www.vannyw.com/events

Hosting an event in Canada? Use Bloom Tickets to sell your tickets, like me! Here's my referral link.

Let's connect on Instagram @KhmerVoices

Do you have an inspiring story you'd like to share on Khmer Voices...

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 d...

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. 

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Khmer Voices Live in Hamilton July 5, 2026 https://www.vannyw.com/events

Hosting an event in Canada? Use Bloom Tickets to sell your tickets, like me! Here's my referral link.

Let's connect on Instagram @KhmerVoices

Do you have an inspiring story you'd like to share on Khmer Voices? DM me on...

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 P...

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 an...

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 an...

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...

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.

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 p...

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...

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 al...

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.

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, Un...

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...

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 t...

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, Sop...

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 ch...

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...

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 p...

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 o...

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. 

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...

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. 

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 Vo...

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...

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 als...