25 Most Influential People Awards in the Asian American Community of Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Former President George H. W. Bush proclaimed the month of May to be the Asian Heritage month,to thank Asian communities for their contributions to America; therefore, during this particular month, each Asian American community across the United States celebrates and showcases its

Voranath Chanthavong and Dao Malaythong of Lao Arerican Society and leader from Thai Community

culture through arts and performances.

In Georgia, the Asian-American communities in Atlanta celebrated the Asian Heritage month by selecting 25 people from their communities to receive award for his/her influence and contributions to the society as a whole.

This year’s award recipient from the Laotian American community is Mr. Voranath Chanthavong, owner and architect of the firm N and K Design. Mr. Voranath talked to VOA that…”I am honored and very happy to be selected as a part of this 25 most influential people in the Asian American community. It could be from what I’ve done to help out in the Laotian communities.”

LAS Dancers Showcased their dances in Wat Lao, GA, 2009

Dao Malaythong, 2008 Award recipient told VOA that, “As an Asian-American award recipient of 2008, I was told to recommend any one from the Laotian community. Mr. Voranath came to mind because he has been helping the communities across the United States and not only Laotian communities, but other communities as well. Mr. Voranath is a main donor and supporter of the Laotian American Society to help raise fund for higher education for LAS’s scholars,” Dao explained.

Dao Maylaything is one of many most active LAS members who has been with LAS through thick and thin. She has been what is called a “frontline” for LAS to bring an organization to the front row along with other Asian community. “Currently, LAS has a dance class instructed by Kingmany (Ting) Pathammvong and we have about l8 students. We would bring our youth dancers to perform in many different venues around Atlanta,

Young Generation Dancers of the Laotian American Society of Atlanta, GA

to show case our beautiful heritage via arts and performances. The elder generation needs to reach out and teach us, new generation, other wise this harmonious culture will be lost forever. I’ve two daughters, I want them to be proud of our Lao heritage, to know who we are and where we come from and go as far as they could, " Dao concluded.

The Laotian-American Society(LAS) of the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area is a none-profit organization that was established by young Laotian-Americans in the Greater Atlanta area to support and promote Lao heritage, culture and traditions. The organization is now over seven years old and has worked continuously to be in the front line among other Asian-American communities.

Listen to our audio files for more details.