Kalyann, 20’s Virginia Beach, VA she/her Current Role: Pharmacist. My interests include health disparities, population health, and managed care pharmacy. Currently, I work with a team of pharmacists developing clinical programs for Medicaid patients living in 18 states across the country. Our goal is to help improve their medication management for their different disease states. What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with? Khmerican. When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born? My parents met in the U.S, but both had their separate journeys leaving Cambodia due to the Khmer Rouge. I was born in Arlington, Virginia (right outside of Washington, D.C.). What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander? My main challenge has, and continues to be, figuring out my Asian-American identity. However, since I've been gifted the chance to live through and experience two different cultures, it also comes as an invaluable strength in interacting with others from different backgrounds. What is your proudest accomplishment? To know that an introvert like myself can keep up with an extroverted world. What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up? Grit and work-ethic formed under the pressure to survive in a new country. Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not? I can understand basic Khmer. It became harder to continue studying and practicing language because it wasn't introduced in school and my parents had multiple demanding jobs. I have recently started trying to learn how to write it and learn more of the language. My parents are serious most of the time - but seeing their adult daughter practice the alphabet or new phrases with them - breaks them from their shell pretty fast! What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community? 1. Have goals for yourself and stay accountable to it. 2. Find the support group/cheerleaders that will nurture your growth and curiosity. 3. Find resources to learn about financial literacy. This may not be well understood especially by immigrants and refugees. Learning and applying good money habits early on will pay off ten-fold in the future. What gives you the greatest joy in life? Giving back and knowing I made an impact on someone other than myself. Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote? No projects YET! :) If you would like to share your voice as a person of color, please read the directions and fill out this form here. All ages, backgrounds, and generations welcome. Thank you!
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Who are we?
Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander voices in our communities. Our Why
This is a section for AAPI specifically because, coming from our Khmer culture, we often feel invisible in various spaces from school to the media. We want to show the ways in which we are the same and different, and that all of our backgrounds and experiences are valuable to learn and celebrate. Let's uplift each other! Want to share your voice?
To be featured, read the directions and fill out this form. All ages, backgrounds, and generations welcome. Our Names
Ailani Aimi Shukri Alicia Amira Noeuv Annalise Ko Arielle Dortch Ashley Alday Asia Wesley Brandy (CambodianCream) Brittanee Okamura Bunthay Cheam Cathy N. Chanira Reang-Sperry Charles Calvino Hang Chans Chloe Choe Christy Daniella Thach Danielle Bopha Khleang David Choi David Vo Emma S. Buchanan Eric Damey Firda Amalia Herryanddhy Grace Bora Kim Hao Taing Hunny Hach Huy Hoang Iran Thongdy JLouie Jessica Nguon Jerome Damey Jennifer Yi Jenny Nave Justin Cardona (JCool) Kaitlin Kamalei Brandon Kalyann Kandy Robertson Khmer Ninjas Kimi Kaneshina Kris Henderson Kristen Lê Krystal M. Chuon Lisha B. Lina (Spring Roll Fever) Mandy Kwan Maria Abad Marina Por Mario Pilapil Marites Perez Mark Juaton Maryann Samreth Mei Mei Long Melissa Khoeum Barnett Michael Huang Michael Nguyen Mully Chea Mylo Lam Nathanie Lee Neng Om Niza Oun-Nguyen Nolita Noeuv Note K. Suwanchote Piny Ly Pothmolita Dou Randy Kim Rose Khun Rotha Sam Hing Sam "Smushipig" Javier Samedy Khun Samrach Sar, Esq. Sandra Chhuon Sasha Buz ចាប សាត Sath Chap Sokha Danh Stephanie Ung Sumit Karn Thay PichMony Valerie Hoang Vivian Huang |