San Diego, CA

Lela has been surrounded by Jai Lao since it was first founded in 2009. Beginning at a very young age, Lela had the opportunity to go on humanitarian missions, volunteer and plan Jai Lao events, and accomplish her own service projects. Over the years, she has played integral roles for the organization, first as an intern, then as Media & Marketing Director, and later as Vice President.

Lela is now honored to serve as JLF’s President and is committed to advancing the organization’s mission of expanding educational opportunities and supporting humanitarian efforts for the people of Laos. JLF has played a huge role in developing Lela’s passion for educational accessibility and cultural visibility.

Lela earned her Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Utah in 2021 and her Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Utah Valley University in 2024. Her graduate research focused on Southeast Asian American college attainment and student success. Lela currently works as a Program Coordinator at the University of San Diego’s Professional and Continuing Education department, where she supports students pursuing graduate degrees.

San Francisco, CA

Sass’s passion for helping others, and her belief that education is the key to opportunities, is what drew her to Jai Lao. So after sending her girls to college, she decided that she would like to use what she learned in college and throughout her life experiences to aid and empower the Lao Community, domestically and abroad. Volunteering and giving back to the community has helped her reconnect with her cultural heritage as she learns and grows with other Jai Lao volunteers. Sass is currently a Registered Associate at Emerson Equity LLC and brings a high level of professionalism with over 18 years in financial services. Sass lives in San Francisco, CA and contributes her time and talent by volunteering as Jai Lao’s Treasurer, serving in every capacity that is needed of her at fundraiser events and activities locally and in other states. She is excited to embark on a Humanitarian Service Trip with Jai Lao to see the sweet fruits of her labor of love in the villages of Laos.

Cody Insyarath is a proud Laotian American deeply rooted in preserving and promoting his cultural heritage. With years of active involvement in the Laotian community—from serving as Pageant Director for Miss Laos Central Valley to mentoring youth through traditional Laotian dance—Cody has continually sought opportunities to uplift and celebrate his cultural identity. He previously served as a Cultural Chair for the Amerasia Organization at Fresno State and as an Ambassador for the Laotian American Community of Fresno (LACF), roles that allowed him to engage in advocacy, cultural education, and community outreach.

Professionally, Cody is building a career in healthcare administration, currently serving as a Health Information Management Specialist while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration. His passion for health equity and community well-being closely connects with the Jai Lao Foundation’s mission of serving underserved populations through education and outreach. Cody believes that cultural preservation and community health go hand in hand, and he brings his healthcare knowledge to support the foundation’s initiatives with a focus on long-term, sustainable impact.

Cody joined the Jai Lao Foundation as a Board Director to further his commitment to education, youth leadership, and cultural preservation. He was inspired by the foundation's mission to support underserved communities and promote Laotian heritage through scholarships and cultural initiatives. As someone who has seen firsthand the impact of both cultural pride and healthcare disparities, Cody is honored to help amplify Laotian-American voices and contribute to building a healthier, more empowered future for Lao youth around the world.

Born in Laos and raised with humble beginnings, Kay Cabuco knows firsthand what it means to go without—sometimes attending school with no shoes, and often with little to eat. At just 12 years old, she immigrated to the United States with a heart full of resilience and a deep desire to create a better life—not just for herself, but for others.

Guided by compassion, Kay became a registered nurse, where she spent seven years at the bedside, caring for patients and their families with unwavering dedication. But she felt called to serve on a broader scale.

Taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship, Kay built a thriving business and real estate portfolio. Today, she owns and operates assisted living communities designed to uplift and enrich the lives of seniors—helping them live their golden years with dignity, respect, and joy.

Though she’s built her success in the U.S., Kay’s heart has never left Laos. Her journey fuels a mission to give back to the communities that shaped her. As a proud board member of the Jai Lao Foundation, she is honored to support humanitarian efforts that bring hope, love, and lasting impact to the villages of her homeland.

Provo, UT

Ella has had the opportunity to witness and be part of JLF’s aims at a young age. She has participated in mission trips, volunteered countless hours at fundraisers, and participated in service projects that have left a lasting impact on her heart and perspective. She has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of education and humanitarian support for the Lao people.

As a proud Lao-American, Ella developed a deep sense of purpose and passion for helping her community early on. Ella has also been on the receiving end of support, whether that be through mentorship or community programs that helped her pursue her own educational goals. She deeply understands the life-changing power of opportunity and the difference that support and generosity can make. Without the support she had received in her experience, she would not be where she is today. These experiences sparked her drive to help others and inspired her commitment in giving back, especially in support of underserved youth and families.

Now serving as the Secretary of Jai Lao foundation, Ella not only brings her planning and coordination abilities, but also her life experiences and cultural pride as a whole. She is committed to ensuring that others; especially Lao youth and underserved communities have the same access to tools, opportunities and encouragement that shaped her own path. As she continues to pursue her own educational goals at Brigham Young University, Ella remains committed, eager, and grateful for the own support she has received and has since decided to dedicate ways in creating that same opportunity for others.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Kayley is serving as the Officer of Media and Marketing for JLF. She is currently attending the University of Utah and pursuing a degree in Marketing. Kayley is excited to bring creativity and increase engagement throughout platforms. She hopes to grow the charity’s online presence while sharing our message of giving from the heart.

Kayley shares a strong passion for giving back and the Jai Lao Foundation. From planning and executing fundraisers and community events, to taking part in humanitarian missions to Laos, Kayley has gained a strong appreciation for Lao culture and the people, furthering her dedication to serve and be a part of this organization.

Laos

Mouk is Jai Lao’s Project Coordinator based in Pakse. Mouk understands the needs of the villages. Through volunteering on humanitarian service trips and overseeing much of Jai Lao’s efforts during the the devastating collapse of a hydroelectric dam in Attapeu, her passion for serving others amplified. She is hard working and dedicated to executing Jai Lao’s mission. Mouk comes from a large family and has a deep understanding and sense of community.  She is grateful to have this wonderful opportunity to be on Jai Lao's team.