Thank you to Dr. Kara Uy Has, PysD for sharing her keynote presentation slides with me: Memory, Healing, and the Work of Becoming for the Khmer Diaspora Conference held March 27-29 in Lowell, MA, United States.

I was wiping tears throughout her keynote and couldn't focus on writing notes. This episode offers a summary of her powerful message that set the tone for the conference, The Next 50 years: Evolving from Surviving to Thriving in the Khmer Diaspora.

I also share 4 of my takeaways from the conference.

Thank you to Dr. Christine Su and the planning team for organizing such a thoughtful, inspiring, and empowering conference.

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Let's connect on Instagram @KhmerVoices

Do you have an inspiring story you'd like to share on Khmer Voices? DM me on social.

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The first ever Khmer diaspora conference was held in Lowell, MA, USA from March 27 to 29, 2026, organized by Dr. Christine Su.

I managed to get some time with 7 people throughout this meaningful, jam-packed weekend to ask these powerful questions, courtesy of Cathy Chen on Threads @triggeredbutcurious:

Question 1: What did you once reject that you now understand differently?

Question 2: Are you rediscovering parts of your heritage you once pushed away?

Question 3: Are you finding new meaning in old traditions?

Question 4: What part of your upbringing are you slowly making peace with?

Interviewees:

Linda Thach https://www.instagram.com/lthach27

Ani Vong https://www.instagram.com/ani_v

Li-Da Kruger https://www.instagram.com/lidamix

Oussa Bun https://www.instagram.com/oussa__56

Sophia Lee https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemekong

Pichchenda Bao https://www.instagram.com/pichchendabaopoet

Minda Sam https://www.instagram.com/one.naga

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Let's connect on Instagram @KhmerVoices

Do you have an inspiring story you'd like to share on Khmer Voices? DM me on social.

Intro and outro music by https://pixabay.com/users/chhuchchhuch-26181660/

Denys Meak is a second generation Khmer American born in Atlanta, Georgia to Cambodian refugees. She describes her family as self-taught artists and makers.

Her passion for fashion saw her pursue and attain a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Today, she works as a Visual Merchandising Manager for a retail brand, but most in the Cambodian community know her professionally as a photographer, with the Instagram @thekhmercollective. Founded in 2021, The Khmer Collective is a traveling project where she documents the Cambodian diaspora through colorful portraits and storytelling.

Denys shares her compelling journey from growing up in Atlanta's Cambodian community to navigating identity, education, and artistry. Discover how she uses her photography work to document cultural identity, foster healing, and leave a legacy for future generations.

Follow @thekhmercollective on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thekhmercollective

Khmer Diaspora Conference March 27-29, 2026

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Let's connect on Instagram @KhmerVoices

Do you have an inspiring story you'd like to share on Khmer Voices? DM me on social.

Intro and outro music by https://pixabay.com/users/chhuchchhuch-26181660/