Khanh is a Portland-based tax leader and licensed contractor who moves fluidly between corporate strategy and hands-on building, bringing a grounded, multidimensional approach to everything she does. As someone deeply connected to both community and craft, she’s passionate about creating spaces that are not only functional and sustainable, but also inclusive and empowering.
Outside of her professional work, Khanh is actively involved in expanding access and representation in the surf community, working with organizations that bring more women of color into the lineup. Her perspective is shaped by a balance of discipline and presence, structure and adaptability, and a belief that growth often happens in the moments where we choose to show up fully and take up space.
Whether she’s renovating a home, or reconnecting with community, Khanh brings intention, resilience, and a sense of curiosity to it all. We caught up with her for a quick Q&A to learn more about what’s been inspiring her lately.
What do you do professionally or creatively?
Professionally, I lead the tax function at a publicly traded company in the technology and consumer marketplace space, but I also wear a few other hats. Outside of corporate life, I’m a licensed contractor, and moving between those worlds keeps me grounded, resourceful, and constantly learning. I enjoy blending financial and technical work with big-picture strategy, while staying closely connected to the tangible, day-to-day challenges of affordability and building sustainable spaces.
What’s something you’re working on right now that you’d love to share?
I’m currently working with Waves of Color, a nonprofit focused on curating events and bringing more women of color into the surf lineup. Alongside that, I’m passionate about encouraging more people in our community to get into the water and feel confident taking up space there. Surfing has taught me so much about power, patience, and presence—especially in lineups dominated by men—and those lessons feel deeply connected to how we move through the world, advocate for ourselves, and intentionally claim space in real life. Maybe we can even get an LCC summer lineup going.
What’s lighting you up lately?
I like to spend my winters in the city or traveling somewhere warm. Aside from ripping around the city on my moto and hanging with my puppy, it’s about reintegrating back into the community. I spent the last few years working long, demanding hours on the coast, while also renovating an entire beach house on my own, which was equal parts grounding, exhausting, and isolating. Being back now, showing up to events, reconnecting, and building new rhythms (thanks to LCC), feels really nourishing.
What’s one thing that brings you real joy?
It’s definitely my little pup, Sauvignon, “Sauvi” for short. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into, and she is very much a puppy who is constantly thirsty for attention. Every day she’s learning how to navigate the world a little better, figuring out what’s friendly, what’s suspicious, and when she deserves to be the center of it all. Watching her in real time is equal parts grounding and hilarious, and she’s a great reminder that growth can be messy, curious, and full of joy. It always makes me laugh because I’m pretty sure there’s a book called Your Dog Is Your Mirror.
What are you manifesting or calling in for the new year?
For the new year, I am striving to be more intentional with my connections, and trying to do more within the system to create change. I believe in any social movement, it takes both those who raise awareness and those who build infrastructure. Awareness drives attention, but infrastructure drives scale. It’s the policies, governance, funding models, and operational systems that determine whether change becomes embedded or remains symbolic.
I’m also calling in deeper community and more shared joy and individual healing, especially during these unprecedented times. I’m focused on building and participating in spaces where people feel connected, supported, and free to show up fully without judgment, and reminded that joy can exist alongside everything else. Right now, even the smallest moments of support and empowerment matter, and I believe that’s one of the most meaningful forms of activism.
Morning person, night owl, or neither?
Hands down, a morning person. My internal clock is permanently set to East Coast time, which means I’m wide awake, caffeinated, and ready to connect well before anyone else is. I’ve had to learn some self-restraint and remind myself not to harass the people around me at unreasonable hours, but mornings are absolutely when I’m at my best.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Emphatically. I grew up here, so this feels both personal and inevitable. I also spent my high school years working at a vegan coffee shop, which means my caffeine tolerance was forged early and my standards are high. At this point, coffee feels less like a preference and more like a foundational part of my personality.
Favorite place in Portland right now?
Winter in Portland has me gravitating toward warm water, so the soaking pools and saunas at Cascada are a favorite right now. There’s something deeply restorative about being in a hot pool while it’s cold and gray outside. It’s definitely a little bougie for my taste and I also believe in balance, so that kind of reset pairs best with a low-key dive bar on the weekend. Both are necessary.
Song you have on repeat?
If you meet me while I’m out and in party mode, you’re getting my split personality in full effect. The soundtrack is usually Big Energy (Remix), with Latto and the iconic Mariah Carey. It’s what I call hyphy and instantly puts me in full mode. The song fully embraces the idea that confidence is an energy and an aura, which Latto says best: “Women can have big d*ck energy. It has nothing to do with what’s in your pants. It’s confidence. It’s an aura.” It’s about taking up space, being yourself, and showing up unapologetically.
A lesbian or queer icon you love?
An icon I deeply admire is Billie Jean King. As she had just won the Battle of the Sexes, standing at the absolute peak of her career, when she was forcibly outed. Almost overnight, she lost sponsorships, public support, and the security she had earned. What resonates most with me is how she chose to respond, by continuing to lead with courage, integrity, and a commitment to equity. Her story reflects values I hold closely: showing up authentically, standing firm in the face of adversity, and believing that even when unfair things happen, they can still move us toward something bigger and more meaningful.
What has been your favorite LCC event or moment so far?
One of my favorite LCC moments so far was showing up to an event and realizing the host was a total blast from the past. It caught me off guard in the best way and gave me a good laugh. It was also a reminder that people tend to reappear in your life exactly when they’re meant to, and LCC somehow makes those full-circle moments feel effortless and fun.
What do you appreciate most about the LCC community?
What I appreciate most about the LCC community is how intentional it feels. There’s space to show up fully as yourself without judgment, whether you’re in a season of building, healing, celebrating, or just figuring things out. LCC fosters real connection, joy, and empowerment in a way that feels both grounded and expansive, and it reminds me that community can be supportive, fun, and deeply meaningful all at once.
Follow Khanh in Instagram at @kvu9
