Manivanh “Molly” Khounxay

Country of origin: Laos

A Laotian woman took a treacherous journey with family to come to America in 1980. It’s hard to believe, but the black-haired woman who owns a successful hair salon in Willow Grove was once imprisoned and a rifle held to her temple. She was 7 years old. She and her family were fleeing from impoverished Laos by foot and by canoe. Her impossible, death-defying journey finally led her to America, the land of opportunity.

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