Volunteer Spotlight: Sothea Soumphonephakdy
Sothea Soumphonephakdy at our 2019 Hope & Healing Gala
The Rape Recovery Center volunteer team consists of nearly 150 incredible individuals who give their time, talents, and passion to furthering our mission of serving survivors and educating the community about sexual violence. This month, we are so pleased to spotlight our inspiring Board Member, Sothea Soumphonephakdy. Our amazing Board of Directors are all community members who share their time and expertise from their related fields to further the mission and vision of the Rape Recovery Center.
Sothea is the Rape Recovery Center's Board Treasurer, sits on our Gala Committee, and is one of the most dedicated board members the Rape Recovery Center has ever had. She is always willing to jump in and help the RRC reach its organizational goals. Her passion for this organization is limitless and we feel so fortunate to have her as a volunteer.
What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?
It all began when I was helping a friend, who lived in a smaller town in Idaho find help after an assault. I reached out to Dhiraj, who is on the board, to see if he could help me find something for her. He was able to find a couple of options for her which I am extremely grateful for. A month or so later, he asked me if I would be interested in being on the board. I had been to a gala previously but I did not know much about the center. But at the time, Dhiraj approached me, I was looking for a more continuous way to serve our community. My husband and I have been doing volunteer work and throwing little events to raise donations for charities for years now. So this was definitely an opportunity for me to be more involved in something and also for a cause that is meaningful to me. K, you inspired me to do this and your strength helps me to keep pushing for more.
What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?
There are two things that I enjoyed. One, getting to know the other board members, the staff, the volunteers. You all are some of the most beautiful souls that I have met. Second, is planning the gala. A lot of thought, work, and preparation goes into it. To see the outcome and everyone enjoying the night fills my heart with so much joy.
What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?
For me, I can’t say that there is anything challenging. What I do is easy. The staff, the volunteers for the crisis line, the HRT team; they do the hard and challenging things. It definitely takes a special kind of person to do those things and I will do what I can to support you all to be able to keep doing what you do.
Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?
I love FOOD! I’m a big foodie. I am one of those people who enjoys long meals with great food, great people and great conversation. My husband and I are huge sports fans. Sports is always on at our house. But when we go out, we love to support the arts.
You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?
When I first started working with the RRC, I encountered a lot of people that were like me, who didn’t know much about the center. I have been somewhat “in your face” about the center on social media and in real life. The response I get has been AMAZING. People in our community are genuinely interested and want to help. Those people give me hope.
What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?
Just do it! It can be a lot of work but it has brought me so much joy and I’ve gotten to know some wonderful people.