Sothea Chiemruom joined CMAA as our new Executive Director on January 10, 2022.
Chiemruom has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and social service sector, including at the Cambridge Housing Authority, YouthBuild USA, North Shore Community College, Hyams Foundation, Coalition for a Better Acre and the state Department of Unemployment Assistance. He was a deputy director of CMAA in the late 1990s and currently serves as a trustee of the Affordable Housing Trust in Tyngsboro.
“I have worked in areas that engaged and promoted youth development, the education of rights for immigrants and refugees, leadership development, community economic development, civic participation and, most importantly, empowering self-sufficiency in community members,” Chiemruom said. “I believe I can bring new perspectives to build trust to address many issues that the community faces. In addition, CMAA supports and engages not only Khmer families, but also others who seek assistance and who are facing similar challenges.”
Chiemruom brings a wealth of experience in day-to-day program operations, administration, program management, professional development, budget management and reporting, public and government relations and policies and procedures compliance.
We are thrilled to announce Silvia Dominguez-Bodie has joined the CMAA team as our Operations Manager!
Silvia has more than 13 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations with an expertise in streamlining processes and optimizing efficiency. She is experienced in managing operations and overseeing contracts to ensure smooth business operations. We look forward to working with her in analyzing data, negotiating agreements, and maintaining and improving compliance within the company. Silvia, fluent in English and Spanish, is committed to championing the rights and empowerment of minorities.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Silvia!
Nich Chea joined CMAA as a Communications & Development Associate in February 2022 and was promoted to Communications & Development Manager in July 2023.
In her current role, Nich coordinates major fundraising and community events, including Khmer New Year celebration, Annual Meeting, and the Gala. She works closely with the Executive Director, Board members, program staff, and volunteers to cultivate and strengthen relationships with individual and corporate donors. She also oversees CMAA’s website and social media platforms and produces the organization’s monthly e-newsletter. In addition, she leads and supports a range of communications, development, and community engagement initiatives that advance CMAA’s mission and strengthen its connections with the community.
Prior to joining the Communications & Development team, Nich served as an Assistant with CMAA’s Monorom Family Support Program, where she provided direct support and services to families and individuals with special needs. This experience gave her a deeper understanding of the community CMAA serves and continues to shape her approach to her work.
A Khmer-English bilingual person, Nich holds a Master of Science in Educational Research from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, as well as bachelor’s degrees in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the Royal University of Phnom Penh and Finance & Banking from the University of Cambodia.
Mana brings a decade of experience advancing social justice, violence prevention, and community empowerment through social services, advocacy, and community outreach. She has worked with organizations including UNFPA, OHCHR, and the Center for Hope and Healing, where she has contributed her expertise in grant writing, grant management and compliance, project management, and community training.
Mana holds an M.A. in International Studies from the University of San Francisco, as well as dual B.A. degrees in Education and International Relations. She is passionate about building stronger, more equitable communities and supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact. Outside of work, Mana enjoys volunteering, giving back to her community, and spending time with her cat, Carrot.
Sengly Kong joined our organization as CMAA’s Program Director from 2006 to 2010. He returns to support CMAA in January 2024 as the Mononom Family Support Program Manager. Sengly holds a Ph.D. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Policy and Management, earned through a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship at Cornell University.
Dr. Kong has demonstrated profound dedication to community-based research and development in health and human services over the past decade. He coordinated two major projects funded by the U.S. government, addressing health disparities among Cambodian Americans. His notable accomplishments include spearheading a CDC-funded health promotion and education project aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk factors. Additionally, Sengly led a NIH-funded study investigating the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions, specifically focusing on the “Eat Walk Sleep for Health” initiative.
We are thrilled to have Sengly Kong on board, and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will make in advancing our mission.
Leakhena Sreng serves as the Special Assistant to the Executive Director at CMAA, providing executive support, strategic and operational oversight, cross department collaboration and external communications coordination. She brings more than a decade of experience from Voice of America, where she worked in broadcasting, reporting, and community storytelling, and provided comprehensive executive support across all areas of operations. Bilingual in Khmer and English, she has a deep understanding of Cambodian and Cambodian American communities.
Leakhena holds a Master’s in International Studies from Ohio University and Bachelor’s in Business Management. She enjoys traveling, especially returning to Cambodia to reconnect with her roots and enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine.
Since resettling in Lowell, MA, in 1989 from refugee camps, Thysan has dedicated his life to advocating for social change. His career spans roles as a community organizer, case manager, social worker, and clergy, all rooted in a passion for making a difference.
Rathavy Sem graduated from the Royal University of Law and Economics in Cambodia in 2011, earning a bachelor’s degree in Law. She moved to the United States in July 2023. Before her relocation, Rathavy served as an Administrative Assistant to the CEO at the Medical Centre in Cambodia.
Rathavy possesses a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome challenges swiftly. Her experience managing within high-level and fast-moving environments speaks about her resilience and leadership skills. Rathavy’s passion for excellence makes her a valuable addition to our team.
Vannaret Tek joined CMAA on April 10, 2023 as our Wrap-Around Community Services Assistant and Drop-Off Respite Assistant for the Monorom Family Support Program.
Vannaret enjoys using her skills to contribute to our community. She has had more than 27 years of experience working alongside educational areas, specialized in leading and monitoring Teacher Training throughout Cambodia.
In 2020, Vannaret worked for Dignity Hospice Care as an Office Coordinator and between 2020 and 2021, she worked for WIC (Women Infants and Children). Vannaret graduated from Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2015 and has a Master Degree in Education and Planning.
Guitana is a creative communications and marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in graphic design, social media, branding, digital content, and visual storytelling. Her background spans nonprofit organizations, public health, community engagement, and live entertainment, giving her a versatile approach to connecting people through thoughtful and engaging content.
She is passionate about creativity, meaningful storytelling, and using design to bring ideas to life. Outside of work, Guitana enjoys spending time with family, exploring fashion, attending events, and finding new ways to express her creativity.
