Lian Cheun: Championing Social Justice and Youth Empowerment in Long Beach
Lian Cheun, a 1.5-generation Cambodian refugee, has dedicated over two decades to community organizing and advocacy, particularly within low-income communities of color. Born in Cambodia, she and her family endured three years in a Thai refugee camp before resettling in the United States, initially in the Bay Area and later in Long Beach, California.
Since 2012, Cheun has served as the Executive Director of Khmer Girls in Action (KGA), a community-based organization committed to fostering a progressive and sustainable movement for gender, racial, and economic justice, led by Southeast Asian young women. Under her leadership, KGA has implemented programs that empower youth through education, leadership development, and civic engagement, addressing issues such as educational equity and health justice.
In recognition of her impactful work, Cheun was appointed in 2014 to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders under the White House Initiative. This role involved advising on policies to enhance the health, education, and economic status of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Cheun’s commitment to social justice and community empowerment has been acknowledged through various accolades, including the Stanton Fellowship in 2024 from The Durfee Foundation. This fellowship supports innovative leaders in Los Angeles, enabling them to pursue solutions to critical challenges in their communities.
Throughout her career, Lian Cheun has exemplified steadfast dedication to uplifting marginalized communities, fostering leadership among Southeast Asian youth, and advocating for systemic change to achieve social equity.