LB community leader chosen as 70th Assembly District Woman of the Year

[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-17-at-3.53.45-PM.png” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=”Seventieth District Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (right) escorts longtime community advocate Chan Hopson along the floor of the California State Assembly on March 14. Hopson was chosen as “Woman of the Year” for the district. A resident of Long Beach since 1980, Hopson was a high school teacher when she was forced to flee Cambodia’s Killing Fields. ” captionposition=”right”] Seventieth District Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell honored longtime community advocate Chan Hopson as “Woman of the Year” on the floor of the California State Assembly on March 14. A resident of Long Beach since 1980, Hopson was a high school teacher when she was forced to flee Cambodia’s Killing Fields. Having survived the work camps, she arrived in America where she pledged to help as many Khmer children, women and families as possible.
In 1995, Hopson co-founded the Khmer Parent Association (KPA), serving as its volunteer executive director for over 20 years. KPA encourages young Cambodians to pursue higher education by connecting at-risk youth with mentorship opportunities. In addition, Hopson is a graduate of multiple health programs and established the Annual Khmer Health Forum, which educates the Cambodian community about topics such as preventive medicine.
“Ms. Chan’s courageous spirit and generosity have touched the lives of countless young people in our community,” O’Donnell said. “Whether it is her advocacy on behalf of public health or her work with Khmer high school youth, her passion and tireless efforts are truly deserving of this recognition.”
Hopson was recognized at an annual ceremony at the State Capitol as part of Women’s History Month. The Assemblymember will also host a local event in honor of Hopson and other women from across the 70th District in April.