We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chantavy Tornado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chantavy , appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

My name is Chantavy Tornado, and I am a first-generation Khmer woman on a mission to fight for equity through grassroots narratives and sustainable healing. Growing up in Santa Rosa, CA, I experienced firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and it ignited a deep passion within me to drive positive change.

I firmly believe in the power of sustainable healing, recognizing that true transformation comes from addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of inequity. By prioritizing holistic well-being and resilience, I work tirelessly to create spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.

My journey has led me to embrace the power of grassroots movements. I firmly believe that the voices of those directly affected by injustice must be amplified to create lasting impact. By empowering individuals to share their stories and take ownership of their narratives, I help build a powerful movement that unites people from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Through my advocacy and leadership, I have been fortunate to witness the positive outcomes of various initiatives aimed at addressing systemic issues and uplifting underserved communities. My dedication to collaboration has allowed me to forge meaningful partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations, pooling resources and expertise to maximize our collective impact.

My unwavering spirit and compassionate heart drive me forward, even in the face of challenges. I am committed to paving the way for a brighter future, where sustainable healing and equity are central to our social fabric. My journey is one of resilience, determination, and a deep-seated belief in the power of individuals coming together to create transformative change.

As I continue on this path, I hope to inspire others to join the movement for equity, healing, and justice. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

As a Survivor myself, we are truly not alone when we seek our truth interdependently. Liberation is an unwavering release of individual expression, creativity and movement to thrive. We are stronger together.

Chantavy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a youth sexual assault survivor, ages (5-15) my journey towards becoming a community organizer was born from my own harrowing experience and the desire to prevent others from enduring the same pain and trauma. The path was neither easy nor linear, but it was one fueled by resilience, determination, and a burning passion for creating safer spaces for youth in my community.

My story begins with the painful aftermath of my assault. As I sought support and healing, I encountered the glaring gaps in resources and understanding surrounding sexual assault in our society. Many individuals, especially young survivors like me, faced an uphill battle in finding the support they needed to heal and reclaim their lives.

Over time, my own healing journey led me to realize that I had a unique perspective and voice that could make a difference. I found solace in sharing my story with close friends and trusted individuals, and their encouragement and support gave me the strength to stand up and speak out.

Taking the first step was intimidating, but I knew I had to act. I started attending local community events and support groups, where I connected with other survivors and advocates who were already working towards change. Their passion and determination inspired me, and I began to see the potential for creating a collective impact through community organizing.

With newfound courage, I decided to share my story publicly. Speaking at local gatherings, schools, and events, I aimed to raise awareness about sexual assault and the urgent need for safe spaces for youth. My vulnerability in sharing my experiences allowed others to feel seen and heard, and it encouraged them to share their stories too.

Through this process, I formed connections with local organizations and activists who shared my vision of building safer spaces for youth. Together, we organized.

As my work gained momentum, I realized that community organizing was not just about raising awareness or implementing new policies; it was about empowering individuals to take ownership of their stories and become agents of change themselves. I wanted survivors to know that their voices held power and that they were not alone in this fight.

In time, I founded an organization dedicated to providing resources and support, Love and Light SoCo. Through mentorship and movements we empowered other young individuals to become community organizers and advocates for change.

Becoming a community organizer transformed my life. It allowed me to channel my pain into purpose and find strength in solidarity with others. While the journey is ongoing, I am committed to creating a world where youth can grow up in safe and supportive environments, free from the fear of generational trauma. As a community organizer, I will continue to use my voice and experiences to drive lasting change and build a better future for us all.

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What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a woman of color, unlearning the deep-rooted influence of white supremacy in my life has been a transformative journey towards finding true liberation and self-empowerment. Growing up in a society where whiteness was often seen as the standard of beauty, success, and intellect, I internalized harmful beliefs about my own worth and identity. I was made to feel inferior because of the color of my skin, constantly reminded of the prevailing message that my culture, heritage, and history were less valuable than those of my white counterparts.

For years, I tried to conform, to assimilate into the dominant culture, believing it was the only way to be accepted and respected. I suppressed parts of myself, my language, my traditions, in an attempt to fit into a mold that was never meant for me. However, the more I tried to adapt, the more I felt lost, disconnected from my roots, and trapped in a cycle of self-doubt.

It was only when I began to critically examine the systems and narratives that shaped my perception of the world that I realized the chains of white supremacy holding me back. I started educating myself on the historical context of racism, colonization, and systemic oppression. Through books, documentaries, and conversations with others who had also embarked on this journey, I gained a deeper understanding of the insidious ways in which white supremacy permeated every aspect of our society.

Unlearning white supremacy was not easy; it required confronting uncomfortable truths, acknowledging my own internalized biases, and challenging long-held beliefs. I had to deconstruct the harmful stereotypes I had internalized about myself and others in my community. It was painful to realize how much I had absorbed and perpetuated harmful ideas about people who looked like me, and how I had unknowingly perpetuated the very system that oppressed us.

With each layer of unlearning, I started to rebuild a new sense of self, one that was not defined by the gaze of white supremacy. I embraced my cultural heritage with pride, rediscovering the beauty and strength of my roots. I learned to value my voice and experiences, recognizing that they held a unique power and perspective that enriched the world around me.

Finding liberation was not just about shedding the weight of external expectations but also about healing from the trauma of living in a society that constantly undervalued people who looked like me. I found solace in connecting with other women of color, as we shared our experiences, validated each other’s struggles, and uplifted one another in a sisterhood of resilience.

As I journeyed further along the path of unlearning, I also found compassion for those who were still trapped in the cycle of white supremacy. I understood that many had been conditioned by generations of conditioning, and change could only come through education, empathy, and a collective effort to dismantle these oppressive structures.

Unlearning white supremacy has allowed me to reclaim my narrative, to define my identity on my terms, and to walk with pride in the richness of my heritage. I now understand that true liberation is not about seeking validation from the dominant culture but about embracing the fullness of who I am, unapologetically. I am no longer confined by the limited expectations set for me by a system designed to keep me small. Instead, I soar with the knowledge that my worth is not determined by the color of my skin, but by the love, resilience, and power within my heart. And in this journey towards liberation, I find strength, purpose, and the freedom to be authentically me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement and determination coursing through my veins. My journey to build a progressive grassroots audience on social media for local justice movements has been nothing short of transformative.

It all began with a spark, a desire to make a real impact in my community. Witnessing the injustices faced by marginalized groups in my neighborhood, I knew I couldn’t stand idly by any longer. Armed with my laptop and a passion for change, I took the leap into the digital realm to amplify the voices that too often go unheard.

At first, the road ahead seemed daunting. How could I, an individual with limited resources, make a difference on the vast and ever-changing landscape of social media? Doubts clouded my mind, but the burning conviction in my heart pushed me forward. With each pos, and each share, I vowed to foster a community of like-minded individuals, eager to join hands in the pursuit of justice.

I started by researching the most pressing issues faced by my community. From affordable housing to education disparities and criminal justice reform, I uncovered the stories that needed to be told. Armed with knowledge, I crafted my first few posts, each one carefully designed to inspire, educate, and call for action.

In the beginning, progress was slow, but I refused to be discouraged. Instead, I immersed myself in the world of social media strategy, learning about algorithms, engagement techniques, and the power of compelling storytelling. Armed with new insights, I adapted my approach, ensuring that every piece of content was authentic, impactful, and shareable.

Soon enough, I began to witness the first glimmers of success. Like-minded individuals found solace in our digital community, connecting over shared values and aspirations. The ripple effect began, and as our audience grew, so did my impact.

Collaboration became the heart of my mission. I reached out to local activists, community leaders, and organizations, forging partnerships that allowed me to amplify each other’s messages. We created a network of changemakers, united in our commitment to uplift the oppressed and marginalized.

Through our collective efforts, we sparked conversations that reached beyond the digital realm. We organized town halls, community meetings, and protests, determined to make our voices heard on the streets as well as online. Our grassroots movement was gaining momentum, becoming an unstoppable force for positive change.

However, the journey was not without challenges. Trolls and detractors attempted to sow seeds of discord, but we stood strong, rallying around our shared vision. We practiced radical empathy, always seeking to understand and engage with those who held differing perspectives. Through constructive dialogue, we found common ground and forged unexpected alliances.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Loveandlight707

Image Credits
Photos by That’s Lagi SoCo And The Bohemian (local newspaper (