Join us for a special Songkran program celebrating the Southeast Asian New Year. We'll bring together Lao American community members who will offer perspectives on the human consequences of the current U.S. immigration policy. 

Raised in the United States, many Lao American refugees are vulnerable to current immigration policy changes, with some facing deportation back to a country unfamiliar to them. Through storytelling of their own lives, we'll explore issues of belonging and the impact of families currently being separated. 

The discussion will conclude with a special musical performance by Tookta and Morlam SF, followed by a reception featuring a traditional blessing and Southeast Asian flavors.

About the Speakers

Siamphone Louankang is an attorney at law in San Francisco. Her focus is civil litigation, which includes trial preparation, legal research and writing. She is currently working on a pro bono immigration case involving a client facing deportation to Laos. She received a Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University, and has studied in Asia and Europe. She has a strong interest in law and technology, cybersecurity and Ai governance. She also volunteers with the Center for Lao Studies, promoting education and understanding of the Lao American refugee experience. She currently host the Center for Lao Studies Research Archive at my office in Auburn, California.

Sysavath "Ko" Phandanouvong is a creative writer and cultivator whose life story bridges the gap between a refugee past and a purpose-driven future. Born in Laos and arriving in the United States as a refugee toddler, Ko’s early years were spent navigating the challenges of resettlement in Modesto and then San Diego. Ko transitioned from a turbulent youth and a period of incarceration to a life of creative and community-focused purpose upon his release in 2018 with a redefined worldview centered on resilience and renewal.

What began as a personal documentation of his thoughts, artwork, reflections and experiences behind bars evolved into a self-published collection on Amazon Kindle, made possible with his partner. Today, Ko channels that same creative energy into the earth at Sandra’s Hobby Farm, where he co-founded a space in 2023 dedicated to animals, organic growth and sustainable living. Through his digital platform, #9sengsavath9, he continues to share a transparent look at life’s second acts—proving that even the most difficult chapters can lead to a harvest of community and peace. Through social media he is dedicated to documenting his and his partner’s journey together, focusing on growth, partnership and the path forward."

Sandra Sengdara Siharath is an educator, cultural advocate and community leader. Born and raised in San Francisco, Sandra Sengdara Siharath's life and work are deeply formed by her family's journey as refugees from Laos. This heritage of resilience and adaptation inspired her 25-year career as a dedicated educator and community leader specializing in early childhood development, cultural preservation and civic engagement. This dedication was further forged through her personal journey as a caregiver for both of her parents during their battles with cancer—an experience that deepened her empathy and solidified her resolve to advocate for the health and well-being of others. Taking over her parents' childcare business, she became the co-owner of Angela’s Family Day Care and has served as a board member of the California Family Childcare Network. Her expertise is rooted in a unique blend of scholarly research and field experience, including time spent studying abroad at the Lao American College in Laos. Today, she continues her commitment to academic preservation as a dedicated supporter of the Center for Lao Studies Research Archive.

A lifelong advocate for heritage and diplomacy, Sandra has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the chief administrator for the San Francisco-Shanghai Sister City Committee. Her passion for the arts and sustainability led her to found SEACHAMPA, an organization that promotes Southeast Asian Cultural Performing Arts, cooking and organic farming. This commitment to community well-being is further reflected in her work as a multilingual Certified CPR and 1st Aid Instructor, a role through which she has provided vital public safety training since 2011.

In 2023, Sandra expanded her reach into digital storytelling by establishing Sandra’s Hobby Farm with her partner. Together, they document their life journey on social media under the tag #9sengsavath9 and have collaborated to self-publish his creative writing on Amazon Kindle. Throughout her career, Sandra’s service has been recognized with numerous honors, including a Certificate of Honor from Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2005, a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly in 2011, and being named the SFSU Asian Student Union Alumnae of the Year in 2015.

Tookta is known as a Thai Isaan Morlam (folk, country) singer. She started singing at the tender age of 12 years old. Her sound and genre is specific to the Isaan region of Thailand. She has performed for an audience of more than 100,000 on Mother’s Day for Thailand’s queen. In addition to a successful career as a Morlam singer, Tookta has also performed as a popular stand up comedian.

She is performing with her band Morlam SF—Nui, Sam and Tan—who will be playing traditional Morlam instruments. Nui, Sam, and Tan are experts in the genre. They hold high-level honors from their universities in Thailand and recognition as "Masters" from programs offered San Francisco Bay Area Buddhist Thai temples.