My name is Eh Ka Paw, and my journey has taken me from a refugee camp in Thailand to the heart of Utica, the place I proudly call home.
When my family resettled in 2008, Utica welcomed us with open arms, and ever since, I’ve dedicated myself to giving back to the community that shaped me. Today, I volunteer with the Buddha Dama Thuka Temple in Schuyler‑Frankfort, supporting local youth and helping create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
I later earned my bachelor’s degree from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, a milestone that reflects both my family’s resilience and the opportunities this community has offered.





