NBC Bay Area & AACI Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – Channary Bill

Channary Bill is a testament of the human spirit’s ability to endure and not just survive, but to thrive. On April 13, 1975 Cambodia was filled with feelings of hope and new beginnings as it celebrated its New Year; however, four days later, a darkness fell throughout Cambodia as the Khmer Rouge took control of the country. Suddenly, sounds of rockets bombing the countryside were commonplace and Channary and her family were placed into labor camps. Four years later the Vietnamese army invaded Cambodia and she saw her opportunity to escape from the country that took away her hope and her freedom.

Escaping to Thailand and ultimately to the United States, Channary’s story was emblematic of many other Cambodians who resettled in America. Here her spirit learned to thrive. She serves as the President of the Cambodian Women’s Association where she seeks to empower women and families through providing community education workshops, while preserving Cambodia traditions. From mobilizing voter registrations, to issue forums around ballot measures, Channary works to grow her community’s voice.

Additionally, in her work as a Patient Navigator she helps the Cambodian community by to translating for Cambodian patients during medical visits, facilitating a weekly group therapy session for women, and connecting individuals to community resources. Channary transformed her personal traumas into a drive to serve the Cambodian community. She exudes a renewed sense of hope and freedom she empowers others to thrive as she does.

Channary Bill - President - Cambodian Women’s Association

On April 13, 1975 Cambodia was filled with feelings of hope and new beginnings as it celebrated its New Year; however, four days later, a darkness fell throughout Cambodia as the Khmer Rouge took control of the country. Suddenly, sounds of rockets bombing the countryside were commonplace and Channary and her family were placed into labor camps. Four years later the Vietnamese army invaded Cambodia and she saw her opportunity to escape from the country that took away her hope and her freedom.

Additionally, in her work as a Patient Navigator she helps the Cambodian community by translating for Cambodian patients during medical visits, facilitating a weekly group therapy session for women, and connecting individuals to community resources. Channary transformed her personal traumas into a drive to serve the Cambodian community. She exudes a renewed sense of hope and freedom she empowers others to thrive as she does.