Me

I was born in Khao-I-Dang. My family came to the United States when I was three, and I’ve spent much of my life since learning how to hold both places at once.

I write, photograph, and gather people because I want proof that we were here, not only the history, but the ordinary textures of Khmer diaspora life: the food, the language, the jokes, the silences we inherited. My essays live on Substack. I read widely, and I wear Khmer clothing to the office as a quiet, daily way of showing my pride.

I’m currently working on a writing project with the Cambodian Association of Illinois, and on a novel.

I live in Brooklyn with my husband and our two cats. By day I work in operations in Manhattan.

If you’re building something for our community, or you just want to talk, write to me at hiya at samanthale dot com