We dream of a future where Khmer Americans have the resources to preserve their cultural legacy while advancing academically and professionally in a connected, vibrant community.
A Brief History of Khmer America
Cambodian Americans began rebuilding their lives in the U.S. after fleeing the Khmer Rouge in 1975, with 150,000 resettling through the Refugee Act of 1980. Communities formed in states like California and Massachusetts, preserving culture through Buddhist temples, mutual aid associations, and festivals like Cambodian New Year. Figures like Dr. Haing S. Ngor and Ted Ngoy symbolized resilience, while younger generations continue to reclaim their heritage and thrive in arts, politics, and tech.
Our Misson
We help Khmer American individuals, academics, and community leaders who find it difficult to identify and connect with mentors, resources, or support within the Khmer American community easily discover relevant opportunities and networks so they can advance their educational, professional, and community goals by providing an inclusive and comprehensive database of Khmer American organizations and professionals across the U.S.
Meet Our Team
Melanie Chhuan
As a first-generation Cambodian American, Melanie Chhuan’s first involvement in the Cambodian community started with attending dance classes at the closest Cambodian Buddhist Society at 4 years old. Since then, she’s followed her own journey of embracing her Khmer roots. After having opportunities to travel because of her alma mater, MIT, Melanie discovered a passion for new cultures. This love eventually brought her back to her homeland of Cambodia with which she completely fell in love. Starting there, she became determined to provide Cambodian-Americans like her the confidence to feel empowered in their own complex, rich identities.
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Phatry Derek Pan
Pan is a seasoned media professional and entrepreneur based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Originally from Seattle, Washington, he has more than 20 years of experience with projects like KhmerConnection, Rajana Society, Phnom Penh Post, and the US Embassy Phnom Penh. In July 2011, he launched Khmerican, a national news agency focused on the Cambodian diaspora in the U.S. Looking ahead, Pan plans to start Aneakajun, a news hub spotlighting Cambodians overseas in Cambodia, and to author his first book celebrating the 50th anniversary of Khmer America. In his free time, Pan loves street food adventures and cuddling with his two adopted cats, Nisai and Jivit.
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