Bella Wilkes

My name is Oisavanh B. Wilkes (aka Bella), I was born in Laos where my father served in the military and my mother worked as a nurse. After the communists invaded Laos, my father was captured and placed in the communist concentration camp as a prisoner of war. After years in the camp, he was permitted to visit his family in Vientiane. It was during this visit that my father paid smugglers to help us flee to Thailand. For almost 2 years, we lived in several refugee camps in Thailand, where access to education. healthcare, and basic necessities was limited. Despite these challenges, my parents remained committed to getting our family to freedom and dreamed of one day living the American Dream.

In 1982, my family and I were resettled in Lakeville, NY through a refugee sponsorship program. Arriving in America with limited English and few resources, we faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, education system, and way of life. Through the help and support of Lakeville Community Church and Livonia School, my siblings and I excelled academically. The support my family and I received during that transition inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others facing similar challenges. As an engineering professional, I've worked for various industries, ranging from Biotechnology to Automotive, and launched many life-changing products. As a Director of Operations at the Bright Path Non-Profit Organization, I am determined to use the skills I gained from my professional and childhood experience to contribute to the Organization's success.