Sandra Chhuon

Sandra Chhuon, 30’s
Everett, WA
​she/her

Current Role: Event Specialist 

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with?
Cambodian.

When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born?
36 years ago. I was born here, in Ohio, Columbus.

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander?
I think sometimes, people see Asian woman as passive and people have tried to take advantage of it so I’ve learned to be more assertive. Our strength is our parents’ history and it drives us to make them proud and want to make the best of our life. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Opening my own business.

What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up?
Their history. I don’t know how my parents did it but they went through a hardship I could never understand and came to a different country. They are now successful people that I look up to and find inspirational.

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
Yes but it’s very broken. I can understand everything but I cannot speak it fluently.

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
Never be afraid to be different and do what you love because we will always try to impress our parents but at the end of the day, if you aren’t happy with what you are doing, then what’s the point? I believe in being successful but I think a huge part of it stems from happiness first. 

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
My husband - he’s my greatest supporter and has made me a better person. I love being around him and also, decorating and painting furniture makes me very happy! 

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
I have my business page, The Vintage Company no7, on Instagram and Facebook.

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