Wathsna Sayasane
Meet Wathsna!
“Creating a meaningful social network in my work environment is something I value and don’t take for granted.”
Tell us about yourself and your role in the City of Phoenix.
I’m currently a Deputy Economic Development Director in the Community and Economic Development Department over the department’s Management Services Division. I oversee the Budget and Fiscal, Administrative Support and Information Technology sections for the Department.
I’ve been at the City for 18 years and have moved around to multiple departments, which include the Planning and Development, Public Works, Finance and Neighborhood Services departments. My career at the City started when I was an undergraduate planning intern in the Development Services Department. I became a full-time Planner I in the Planning Department after graduating in 2006, and I’ve been fortunate to promote through several positions throughout my tenure at the City.
In my home life, I am married with two kids (7 and 4 years old). I grew up in Boise, Idaho with my older sister and parents. I still visit Boise often since my parents still live there, as well as my great group of childhood friends. Arizona became my new home once I moved to attend ASU. I obtained my undergrad in Urban Planning and my Masters of Public Administration, both from ASU.
What is a memorable experience or achievement you’ve had during your time with the City?
All the wonderful friends that I’ve made has been the highlight of my time at the City. These individuals aren’t just my coworkers but my closest friends who have seen me graduate, attended my wedding, seen me have two amazing children and I rely on them for support regularly. Creating a meaningful social network in my work environment is something I value and don’t take for granted.
Tell us about your cultural background and heritage. How do you celebrate your heritage, personally and within the community?
My parents were both born and raised in Laos. They met as refugees in Thailand and immigrated to the U.S. in 1981. Even though my parents came to the U.S. with no family, they developed their own network of family members with other Laotian immigrants. Community and family are the focal point for the Laotian culture, in addition to worshiping and caring for their local Buddhist temple.
I personally still spiritually live my life the way my parents culturally raised me. Growing up, I didn’t see our way of life in a religious lens and simply thought this is just how we live. We show appreciation for our ancestors, we repeat positive reaffirming mantras/statements when greeting or bidding farewell to our friends, and weekly family community dinners were normal. For my children, I try to cook as many traditional Laotian dishes that I know how to so that they can experience the different tastes of their Laotian roots. They absolutely love when their grandparents visit because they end up having an endless amount of fresh homemade meals, coconut juice, fruit and sticky rice!
Is there a local AAPI business or organization you would like to highlight and share with others?
My go to pho restaurant is Pho Thanh on Camelback and 17th Avenue. If you want authentic pho soup and other southeast Asian dishes, this is a Phoenix restaurant to try. The shopping corner also has a small grocery market where I buy fresh produce and other ingredients that you can’t find at a typical grocery store for Asian dishes. Also, there is Milk Run Ice Cream and Boba that you can’t pass up for a dessert.
What message would you like to share with others during AAPI Heritage Month?
The best way to learn about southeast Asian culture… is to eat! There is a lot of pride in the recipes, ingredients and cooking techniques that the Asian community has in their dishes.
