Chan Som

Fletcher Communications and Events Staff member Chan Som blogs about cultural diversity, inclusive environments and advocating for the AAPI community.

I grew up in Lynn, MA, in the Northshore area – a small, diverse city sandwiched between the historical city of Salem and the coastline on the other side. You get to see different cultural hubs in different areas of town. My favorite places, of course, were the Cambodian supermarkets for the imported snacks and soft drinks. My parents are war refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam. For me, being Asian American is a combination of my parents’ cultural backgrounds, strength to adjust to a new country and eating McDonald’s somewhere in between those meals.

My hometown and cultural identities have shaped my path as an advocate for representation and health equity for the AAPI community in the greater Boston area while pursuing my MPH (Master of Public Health). Working at Fletcher has opened many opportunities for inclusive environments with other folks who come from all over the world to learn, teach, and connect. I’m excited to meet with more community members, learn from them and be part of this colorful, multicultural campus.