Kalyann

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! :)

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