Mekong NYC

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. 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.” 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. Read the full statement here: mekongnyc.org/new-ed