Rattana’s focus revolves around her Lao-American identity and culture and explores ways to give agency to the Lao diaspora and educating the public at large. She believes there should be more representation of the community so others can understand such things as the immigrant and refugee experience to Lao food culture and music. Her interest also lies in cultural studies and the arts. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city, going to art exhibitions, live music events, finding new foods, and is always looking for her next travel destination.

Rattana has her Master of Arts in Oral History at Columbia University, her certification from the TESOL Certificate Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin.