Highlights from the White Center Innovation, Past Present, and Future Event

quynh147
Dec 23, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Thank you, White Center!

On the evening of November 23rd, 130 White Center community members gathered three weeks ago at the legacy building of the Refugee Federation Services Center and the Cambodian Community Center. Since the mid-1970s, both organizations have supported, and continue to support, refugee communities. The legacy building became vacant in 2019 when both organizations were displaced due to a new property owner purchase. We continue to hold these spaces and legacy of refugee resettlement, strength, and hope at the center of our economic development work. What other spaces in White Center do you/we hold close?

We’re inspired by their stories and how each contributed to the celebration and continues to contribute to White Center’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Their dedication to making a difference in the community is evident and left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. The business innovators are Pho S – Vinh Luu, Nhi Luu, and Lisa Nguyen; Patrick’s Café and Bakery – Patrick Choy and Melanie Komphadith; Lake Defense Force – Jay O’Neal; Huong Xua Deli – Kevin Bui; Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery – Judy Avitia-Gonzalez and Jake Prendez; La Tipica Oaxaqueña – Yesica Lopez Reyes; Highly Hated – Rasheed Smallwood; Easy Duz It – Keo Sanh; and Mynt Salon – My-Hanh Nguyen. Check them out if you haven’t already!

At the event, we enjoyed the exhibit Strung Together—photo portraits and stories of beloved community members created by Emily Un and Lacey Huynh. We also viewed the White Center docuseries screening, engaged with WCCDA Community Essence youth interns, envisioned future spaces with Kimnang Seng, and enjoyed delicious Cambodian and Mexican comfort food from Chef Theary, owner of Theary Cambodian Foods, and Chef Jared, owner of El Catrin Restaurant. DJ Una shared great music vibes, and the cozy interiors were arranged by Greenroom Décor and Soleil Staging. Oh, and can’t forget the cool WC buttons made by George Stearn at WC Studios and YUMMY WC macaroons from Donna Chan of Puffy Pandy!

Though the focus was on celebrating these business innovators, we realized that the room was filled with four generations of White Center innovators—from our Evergreen High School interns to the elders who continue to create and support us with vision and passion.

Thank you, White Center, for showing your love and pride! Until next time, Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones! We’re looking forward to spending more time with you all in the new year, so look out for new video showings and community conversations beginning in March 2025.