As part of the Rams' celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage this month, the organization wants to inspire Angelenos through stories of AANHPI staff changing the game on and off the field.
We continue this year's series with Premium Sales Consultant Justin Souvannasane.
Like many within the AANHPI community, the way Justin Souvannasane carries himself personally and professionally was forged by his upbringing. Those values instilled him through his Laotian culture remain integral to who he is today.
"My parents immigrated to the US from Laos in 1988," Souvannasane said. "They escaped a war-torn, communist country in hopes of giving my siblings and I a better future. With many families in Laos doing the same thing, my parents worked hard to provide and instilled a work-ethic in me that I appreciate to this day. Also, the Laotian culture is very laid back, family oriented and about always having a great time with loved ones. I've always found myself to be one that is able to bring people together easy and naturally because of what I've seen from my culture since a young age."
Today, Souvannasane serves as a premium sales consultant within the Rams' ticketing department, focused on selling premium seating like suites, VIP and club seating. He has been with the organization for two years.
"(The best part of my job is) having an incredible team along with helping businesses and fans experience an unforgettable game day with the Rams with our premium seating options!" Souvannasane said.
Like his own parents, Souvannasane is motivated by being a great model for his two young sons, "and inspiring them that they can do anything they want in life."
Because there are so many different countries within the AANHPI community, Souvannasane encourages doing what one can to educate themselves on the smaller, lesser-known parts of it to become better allies for the community.
Souvannasane also recommends celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month in similar ways.
"Trying to do what we can to celebrate as many cultures as we can," Souvannasane said. "Getting out in the community and celebrating with AANHPI people!"
