Sera Koulabdara,

“My father taught my siblings and I that what you leave behind is so much more important than what you take. During my father's last days; he shared painful memories of the devastating impact the Secret War had on him and the people he loved. These horrific experiences led my father to live a life full of love, compassion, and service to others — I hope to carry his legacy to the next generation, create hope, and make a positive difference in the lives of people in my father's beloved homeland, Laos.”

My Story

Sera Koulabdara (Sa-rah Goo-lap-dah lah) serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Legacies of War, the only international U.S.-based advocacy and educational organization working to address the impacts of war including unexploded ordnance (UXO), victims assistance, explosive ordnance risk education, and environmental impacts of contamination.

Under her leadership, U.S. funding for humanitarian demining is at its highest level in history ($264M) with bipartisan support from Congress. She received the inaugural Award of Gratitude in 2024 and the Humanitarian Award of 2022 given by the Lao PDR for its successful advocacy efforts in securing funds for bomb removal and victims assistance. She is a Delegate of The United States-Japan Leadership Program 2025-2026, the recipient of the UNSUNG Hero Award from Asian Hustle Network, and the HEART Award from the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora (IMID) for extraordinary leadership.

She is relentless and has broken down barriers in establishments and spaces that lack the voice of someone who is directly impacted by the legacies of war. She earned a seat and became the first Lao-American to participate in the 20th Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Convention. By unanimous vote, Sera was elected to serve as the Chair of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munitions Coalition in January 2023. Sera is the first BIPOC, millennial, and person with lived experience from an impacted country to take on this leadership role. She is also a founding member of the Global Leadership Council and the Southeast Asia Exhibit of the IMID. Since January 2025, Sera has been named Co-Chair of the War Legacies Working Group.

As a leading researcher and expert in mine action, Sera is a freelance journalist and has written extensively on topics ranging from history, UXO clearance, and other impacts of war. She is a highly sought after contributor and has also been featured in USA Today, Washington Post, NBC, Responsible Statecraft, and more. Growing up in Laos, Sera witnessed her father, Dr. Sith Koulabdara, operate on countless victims of cluster munitions accidents, including a little girl who attended the same school with her and shaped her passion for her role (s) today.

Sera Koulabdara,

My Story

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