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

One of the best documentaries about Khmer Music https://www.dtifcambodia.com/

YouTube link to purchase https://youtu.be/uWUClhqQkVo

Silong 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

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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/

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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/

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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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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/

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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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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. 

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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. **

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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/

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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

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Let's connect on Instagram and TikTok @KhmerVoices

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