Photo of a bearded man with a shaved head smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black button up top and a narrow gold chain necklace with a triangle-shaped charm hanging from it.

Silong Chhun

Communications Specialist

Outside of work, I'm passionate about capturing the beauty of everyday life through photography and videography. I love documenting the small, seemingly mundane moments and turning them into lasting memories, especially when it involves time spent with family and friends. You'll often find me behind the lens, preserving those precious moments. I also enjoy staying active and exploring my surroundings on my e-bike or skateboard. These activities not only keep me active but also give me a sense of freedom and connection to my surroundings. Whether it's cruising through neighborhoods or exploring new paths, these rides often become opportunities for spontaneous photo sessions or simply clearing my mind. What's important to know about me is that I deeply value authentic human connections and documenting life's journey - both the significant milestones and the small, everyday moments. Through my lens and my experiences with my wife and kids, I've learned to appreciate how each moment, no matter how mundane it might seem, contributes to our personal stories and growth.

"We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." - Robert Jones Jr.

My superpower is building genuine relationships and being someone people can truly count on to get things done. I have a natural ability to listen deeply and understand not just what people are saying, but what they need - whether expressed or unspoken. This skill has been particularly valuable in my role as the Black Student Union staff advisor at Pacific Lutheran University, a position I'm incredibly proud to have held. In supporting pro-equity anti-racism, I bring the ability to create safe spaces where people feel heard and valued, while ensuring we move forward with concrete steps toward equity. My experience as the BSU advisor has deepened my understanding of the importance of representation and advocacy in institutional settings, teaching me how to effectively bridge gaps between students and administration. I take pride in being someone my team can consistently rely on, whether it's meeting deadlines, providing emotional support, or navigating challenging situations while maintaining a focus on equity and anti-racism in our workplace.

I'm here because I understand that being anti-racist requires active, ongoing resistance in a society built on racist foundations. My drive comes from recognizing that dismantling systemic racism isn't just about acknowledging its existence - it's about consistently pushing back against racist ideologies that continue to shape our institutions and communities. This work requires persistence and resilience, as racism adapts and finds new ways to embed itself in our systems and daily lives. Public service gives me a platform to actively challenge these systems and create meaningful change, rather than being a passive observer. The personal nature of this work comes from understanding that silence and inaction only serve to maintain oppressive systems, and I refuse to be complicit in that maintenance. I'm committed to this ongoing journey of resistance and transformation, knowing that the work of dismantling systemic racism requires both sustained individual effort and collective action.