September 3, 2024

Dear Mekong NYC Community,

We are thrilled to announce that Socheatta Meng has been appointed as the Executive Director of Mekong NYC starting September 1, 2024. With a distinguished background in immigrant justice, criminal justice, and human rights issues, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. 

Socheatta (“Soche”) Meng's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Mekong NYC, as our organization seeks to expand its reach and impact within the community. Soche has been with Mekong NYC since 2013. From 2013-2021, Soche served on Mekong NYC’s Board of Directors, including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors from 2017-2021. For the past five years, she has served as Mekong NYC’s Director of the Southeast Asian Defense Project, leading essential campaigns and organizing work for community members at risk of deportation. This anti-deportation work includes her roles as a National Co-Coordinator of the Southeast Asian Relief and Responsibility (SEARR) Campaign and Co-Coordinator of the Clemency Coalition of New York. 

Previously, Soche served as the Chief of Staff for New York City Council Member and Immigration Committee Chair Carlos Menchaca, Director of Policy & Advocacy for Community Food Advocates, and Legislative Counsel for the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). Additionally, Soche served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the City College of New York, where she taught a course on the history and experiences of Southeast Asian refugees in the U.S. Soche has a BA from the University of Chicago, an MA from King’s College London, and a JD from Brooklyn Law School. She is a member of the New York State Bar.

"The Board is excited to announce Socheatta Meng as Mekong NYC’s new Executive Director and we look forward to supporting her leadership to ensure Mekong NYC remains a valuable institution for our Southeast Asian communities in the Bronx and New York City,” said Carolyn Tran, President of Mekong NYC’s Board of Directors. “Soche’s history with Mekong, from her role as former Board Chair to co-founder of the Southeast Asian Defense Project, demonstrates her long-standing commitment to improving the lives of those who are most impacted and marginalized in our communities and whose experience is needed now when our communities' well-being and rights are under attack. The Board thanks Soche for stepping into this new role and to see Mekong continue to grow under her leadership."

As Executive Director, Soche will oversee the organization's strategic direction, program development, and community and funder partnerships. As a longstanding member of our organization, Soche’s vision aligns with Mekong NYC’s mission to create meaningful opportunities for Southeast Asian youth, families, and older adults, and to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

“I am honored and excited to continue my work at Mekong NYC in fighting for a more just future for the Southeast Asian community,” Soche said. “With Mekong, I have had the privilege to learn from such brilliant people, and been able to draw connections between my family’s experience as Cambodian refugees and immigrant justice today. I am grateful that Mekong NYC has been and will continue to be my political home. I look forward to continuing to work with the Mekong team, including our younger generation’s organizers, to build a more just future for the Southeast Asian community, as well as our neighbors in the Bronx and throughout New York.”

The organization’s focus on youth empowerment remains a cornerstone of its work. Mekong NYC’s youth fellows have played a crucial role in shaping its programs and initiatives, with former youth fellows now serving as Directors in our organization. As part of the announcement, a current Youth Fellow shared their enthusiasm for the new leadership.

“When we first heard about Soche's decision to apply for the new ED role, we all felt excited and thrilled for her. To the youth organizers, she has been a very thoughtful and considerate leader who is always willing to lend an ear to us, whether for guidance in work or on personal matters." said Brandom Sam, a Youth Fellow at Mekong NYC. "The kindness, passion, and experiences Soche has brought and shared with all of us were crucial in giving us the room and comfort to grow into who we are today. As a leader and, as a friend, she has been amazing and has proven herself more than deserving of the position. With Soche officially coming on as our new Executive Director, I feel the utmost confidence that Mekong will continue to have a bright future ahead of us, and I am excited to see what's to come!”

Mekong NYC is excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead with Soche at the helm. The organization remains committed to its mission of building a strong, vibrant, and engaged Southeast Asian community in New York City.