Founded by Dr. Christian Giovanni, Cultural Heritage & History Preservation (CHHP) was established to research, record, and preserve the stories of everyday unsung heroes—individuals who have made notable contributions to the growth and evolution of their communities. While CHHP originally emerged from AANHPI-focused initiatives, our research is inclusive of all heroes who have played a role in shaping history. We believe that the stories of individuals and pioneers from every community and industry deserve to be told and celebrated—without segregation and without discrimination. Every person matters, and every story deserves to be heard.

While serving on the Clark County, Nevada, Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) sub-commission, Dr. Christian Giovanni uncovered a surprising gap in the historical record: the stories of early settlers in Nevada who had helped shape communities and industries were largely undocumented. This discovery, made while researching a report on AANHPI communities, inspired her to ensure that the contributions of these pioneers—and countless others—would not be forgotten, laying the foundation for Cultural Heritage & History Preservation.

Report can be viewed here: HISTORY OF THE AAPI COMMUNITY IN NEVADA

Dr. Christian Giovanni inherited a greater leadership role within the Thai community and also assumed an executive position at Las Vegas News, the oldest and largest Thai newspaper in Nevada, founded by her mother in 1999. This role gave her deeper connections within the Thai community and firsthand exposure to important historical accounts. Over the years, the newspaper has covered statewide events across Nevada, amassing an extensive archive of photographs, articles, and documentaries. (Which have been donated to the UNLV Special Collections at the Lied Library)

Dr. Giovanni’s mother, Oywan Sawyer, was one of the first three Thai settlers in Nevada, with records dating back to the early to mid-1970s documenting the beginnings and evolution of the Thai community. Her leadership, tireless efforts, and contributions toward building and growing the Thai community into what it is today have been permanently preserved in the UNLV Special Collections at the Lied Library as well as in official Clark County, Nevada records.

Our founder, Dr. Christian Giovanni, embarked on a career in nonprofit, social, and community services, working tirelessly to uplift underserved and minority communities. Through her work, she became deeply familiar with the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories that define these communities. By building trust and forming meaningful connections, Dr. Giovanni became a respected and widely recognized leader and advocate—an unwavering voice for those whose stories deserved to be heard.