PROJECT: IN THE V.I.P. (VIETNAMESE-AMERICANS ILLUSTRATION PROJECT)
Thien-bao Phi was born in Sai Gon, Viet Nam, the youngest son to two mixed blood Chinese and Vietnamese parents who raised him in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis as a Vietnamese boy in the hood. A graduate of Macalester College and retired pizza delivery boy, Bao has performed at numerous venues and schools locally and nationally, from the Nuyorican Poet’s Café to the University of California, Berkeley.
Currently he works as a program associate at the Loft where he curates and operates Equilibrium, a successful spoken word series he created, which invites nationally recognized artists of color/indigenous artists to share the stage with local Minnesota artists of color/indigenous artists. He is also working on his new CD, Refugeography, and continues to tour around the country.
Xuan, Boat People S.O.S. Program Coordinator, Community outreach and mental health education, fund development, working with the coolest kids on the block: Vietnamese senior citizens.
A graduate from MIT, Vudoo Soul is a special rarity in the music industry; he is as smart as he is talented. With a magical singing ability and a grounded work ethic he has quickly paved his path towards superstardom.
Pha Le
http://www.storylinedesigns.com/
Alexia Dinh, Program Coordinator, Boat People SOS (BPSOS)
“No one is left behind,” is a phrase often used when referring to healthcare in the US. In actuality, many immigrant men and women seeking health care are left behind every day. Lack of health insurance, cultural stigmas, and lack of Vietnamese-speaking service providers and Vietnamese educational materials on basic health information lead to misconceptions and exacerbated health diagnosis. This workshop will address health disparities among Vietnamese Americans and equip attendees with ideas/skills on how they can make a difference.
Chi Alexia Dinh is the Program Coordinator for the Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI) at Boat People SOS (BPSOS). At BPSOS she does case management, conducts intakes, assesses needs to develop individualized health awareness plans, and refers clients to clinics, hospitals and local health care providers. Since she has been with the program, she has built and maintained partnerships with government agencies, funding sources, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, service providers, clinics and hospitals. Chi Alexia is also an entrepreneur and a community leader in humanitarian efforts. In her spare time, she organizes a project called “Roll Alongside Me”, which she founded to deliver wheelchairs to mobility-impaired individuals in Vietnam through fundraisers and charity banquets.
Alvina Yeh, Program Coordinator | Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
Alvina Yeh is the Program Coordinator of APIAVote where she coordinates the internship and youth outreach programs. She is also a member of the events, communications, and web development teams for APIAVote. In addition to working at APIAVote, Alvina serves as the Midwest/West-Coast Regional Director for Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. Alvina graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder where she studied International Affairs and Ethnic Studies.
APIAVote is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes civic participation of Asian Pacific Islander Americans in the electoral and public policy processes at the national, state and local levels
Pabitra Benjamin, Director of Organizing and Training | Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
Did you know that the Asian American vote can swing the outcome of the election? This workshop will highlight the promising strength and influence of the APIA community by looking at voting trends, and promote the organization of voting campaigns on the college campus.
Pabitra Benjamin is the Field Director for the Rights Working Group, and was the former Field Director for APIAVote, where she worked with local APIA organizations to develop on-the-ground voter engagement programs. Pabitra graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a double major in Political Science and Languages & Cultures of Asia.
Dang Du, Candidate for Masters of Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University
This workshop will seek to equip young activists, community leaders, and emerging student leaders with the analytical tools and provide them with a multidisciplinary framework on how to translate thought into social action. Of particular focus are actions that affect social changes by fusing both a community organizing approach with useful policy analysis tools.
Anh Dang Du is currently a graduate student pursuing a masters degree in public policy at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, located just outside of Washington D.C. His policy concentration focuses on macroeconomic issues including: economic growth, fiscal and monetary policy. His childhood experiences in Vietnam sparked a strong interest in economics. Accordingly, he regards economics as the study of poverty, or a discipline thoroughly concerned with poverty alleviation. He’s also working at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a DC-based think-tank that engages in research on government policies that affects those in poverty.
Daniel Pham, President, UCLA Vietnamese Student Union
The workshop explores gender and sexuality in the context of the Vietnamese community. Through different activities, participants will be able to investigate and survey how our culture discusses, or ignores, such pertinent issues. Participants will also be able to explore their own selves, their ways of thinking, and how they themselves affect others.
Born in 1986 in Vietnam, Anh Daniel Pham immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 4. He did not come to discover his cultural roots until he attended UCLA. After a stint as an intern for the Vietnamese Student Union at UCLA, he was elected to be the Political Advocacy Coordinator for 2006-2007. Currently a third year student majoring in Neuroscience, Anh Daniel continues to be heavily involved in the Vietnamese community at UCLA and in Southern California through VSU.
Giang Nguyen
Anh Duong Hoang received his B.S. from the University of Connecticut, his M.S. from Southern Connecticut State University, and is currently pursuing his doctorate at Howard University in Washington, DC. He presently serves as the mental health counselor for the STEP program BPSOS. A mental health therapist at a private practice on Capitol Hill in the D.C. area, Anh Duong is currently one of few Vietnamese Ph.D. candidate in Psychology.
Jessica Dang, Fine Art Dealer
Cocktail parties prove to be the ultimate sink-or-swim test of social skills. Can you hold your own in a room of fine art experts, curators, collectors, and critics? This workshop will provide you with behind-the-curtains glimpse of the exclusive territory of the art world, and how to confidently navigate through its social situations and events.
Chi Jessica Dang is a consultant in her fiancé’s business of private dealing fine art (Impressionists, Modern Masters, Post-War and Contemporary). She is also a regular contributor to the JC Report, an online global fashion trend publication. She holds a Masters of Art (M.A.) degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art – New York, and a Bachelors of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree in Design Management from Parsons The New School for Design
Hien Dang, Program Manager & Duong Hoang, Counselor, Boat People SOS (BPSOS)
The body of knowledge on Asian Americans’ mental health consistently cites Vietnamese Americans as underrepresented within the mental health care system. Specifically, multicultural mental health literature suggests stigma, saving face, perceived weakness, lack of awareness, and language as major barriers to the under utilization of mental health services among Vietnamese Americans. Sections of the presented workshop will aim to address the Vietnamese traditional beliefs about mental illnesses and the current mental health disparities; stimulate dialogue among participants on bridging the gap between mental health service providers and Vietnamese Americans; and equip the attendees with proven tools to “plant seeds” within their Vietnamese communities that can put an end to mental health disparities.
Chi Hien Dang is Program Manager of the Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP) for BPSOS in Falls Church, VA. Chi Hien spearheads the national implementation of an innovative culturally responsive education and wellness program that addresses the mental health needs of Vietnamese seniors. Dedicated to serving the community, Chi Hien also invests in a wide range of service projects. In July 2007, she was a speaker at the Minority Women’s Health Summit in Washington, DC. Recently, Chi Hien enrolled at Argosy University’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, where she plans to graduate with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2009.
Dr. Ngoc Quan Chu DDS, Chairman, Hope For Tomorrow Inc.
We are privileged to have access to the world’s best dental and medical resources at our finger tips. However, there are millions who lack such basic needs. By providing dental/medical care to the underprivileged, we give them hope. By teaching the underprivileged public health, we educate them and give them the foresight for preventive care. Good physical and mental health is the building block of any society. By educating and showing people how to take care of themselves, we give them the tools and knowledge to “Plant the Seedlings” for future generations which are healthier and stronger.
Dr. Ngoc Chu heads his own practice with two offices in Maryland and has served as an Instructor for Maryland State Dental Association and Southern Maryland Dental Society. He has 20 years of experience in Dentistry and has served and led 18 dental and medical missions. Dr. Ngoc is now an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland Dental School Post-Graduate Prosthodontic Program, and the Chairman of the Board for Hope For Tomorrow, a Rockville, MD based non-profit organization.
Daphne Dang, Intern | Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment (VOICE)
Chi Daphne Dang grew up in San Jose, California. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 2006. She volunteered with VOICE in the Philippines as a legal representative and Office Manager from April to November 2007. Currently, Chi Daphne is continuing to work with VOICE through an internship in the organization’s Washington, DC office. She plans to pursue a graduate education following her internship.
A leading non-government organization (NGO) working in Vietnamese refugee issues, VOICE was established in 2007 to win asylum for the last remaining stateless Vietnamese refugees in the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia. With successes of these resettlement, VOICE will now focus on the fight to stop human trafficking. Currently, its dedicated staff is working to open a resource office to service trafficked Vietnamese women and children in Cambodia
Duc Dinh, Founder of Lend A Hand
With Vietnam’s rising economy, the gap between the rich and the poor has never been so far apart. We will have discussion on real and everyday scenario (base on a recent trip in December) and how we can provide impoverished children and orphans an opportunity to have a new beginning. Attendees will hear about heart breaking scenarios and learn of how they can make a difference. We will trade ideas with hopes of providing a major impact on children and poverty.
Anh Duc T. Dinh, 22 years old, is a community leader. At age 17, Anh Dinh founded Lend A Hand, Inc. (Vietnamese Youth Organization), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping impoverished children in Vietnam. The organization is in its fifth year and is running strong with successful humanitarian aid trips to Vietnam.
Helly Lee, Director of Policy, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
In January 2007, the U.S. and Vietnam signed an agreement to repatriate Vietnamese nationals from the U.S. What does this mean and how did we get here? This workshop will focus on the topics of deportation and immigration policies, how they impact Southeast Asian American communities, and why we should care about this issue.
Ms. Helly Lee is the Director of Policy for the Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC). Prior to joining SEARAC, she spent some time on Capitol Hill interning and later working in Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s DC office. She was also a Program Coordinator at Hmong National Development (HND) where she coordinated the annual Hmong National Conference, and the HND annual scholarship among many other roles. Ms. Lee received her Masters of Social Work with a concentration in Social Policy and Evaluation from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and her B.A. in Social Work with a concentration in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Vudoo Vu, R&B Artist
Everyone’s heard that all is fair in love and war – the entertainment industry for the modern Vietnamese American is no different. The stories presented in this workshop will be both personal and anecdotal with insider info about the nature of the Vietnamese & American entertainment industry to benefit those who have aspirations as singers, musicians, actors, entertainment lawyers, or business persons.
As one of the defining faces of today’s emerging soul artists, Anh Vudoo Soul has broken barriers with the relentless, inspiring spirit that embodies his music. Displaying an explosive stage presence and a commanding voice that betrays his appearance, the MIT-graduate-turned-R&B singer-songwriter has infamously garnered a “you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it” reputation. Grand-prize winner of NY Kollaboration 2005, Grand-prize winner of California’s Asian Elevation 2006 and champion of multiple Underground Hip-Hop/R&B Competitions in New York, he continues to work and travel constantly to bring a heart-felt voice to audiences across the nation.
While in college, Mr. Hong served as Executive Director of the 18th Annual KASCON (Korean American Students Conference), held at Yale University. Mr. Hong also helped found VASCON (Vietnamese American Student Conference), which now stands in its fourth year.
DOAN HOANG | Director of “Oh Saigon”
Chi Doan Hoang (Hoang Nien Thuc-Doan) is an award-winning producer, director, and writer of films, heading her own production company, Nuoc Pictures. She was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam to a South Vietnamese Air Force major from Saigon and a Mekong Delta socialite. Raised in Kentucky, Chi Doan wrote her first book about the Vietnam War at age 9 and made her first documentary film about war at the age of 13. A graduate of Smith College, Chi Doan spent years as an editor and writer, working for national magazines such as Details, House & Garden, Spin, and Saveur. “Oh, Saigon” is a seven-year documentary study on her family, funded by the Sundance Institute, ITVS, the Center for Asian American Media, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and has played in festivals nationally and internationally. “Oh, Saigon” recently screened at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and won Best Feature Documentary at the Brooklyn Arts Council International Film Festival. Some of her other film titles include “Agent,” “Good Morning Captains,” and “A Requieum for Vegetables.” She is currently writing a screenplay about perception and producing a new documentary about Vietnam today.
In 2002, Duy-Loan made TI’s history by becoming the first woman and the first Asian American to get elected to the rank of TI Senior Fellow, a title held only by 4 other people at Texas Instruments. Duy-Loan holds 20 patents and 8 pending applications. Duy-Loan’s contributions to TI on the people front is no less impressive. She chaired TI Houston Women Initiative and helped initiate several programs supporting career advancement for minorities such as ‘Nurturing Minority To The Technical Ladder’, ‘Succession Planning for Female Fellows’, Professional Lecture Series, DSP Boot camp for Managers/Supervisors and TI Houston Vietnamese Initiative. Duy-Loan’s service to the community includes participation in various projects sponsored by United Way.
Quoc Phan, General Secretary, Len Duong International Vietnamese Youth Network
How can you turn your vision for Vietnam into a road map of smaller steps and turn it into reality? The youth movement and student activism have been a crucial voice in campus, national, and global campaigns. At a juncture, a student-led non-violent movement can be a revolutionary means to achieving social justice. Come learn about branding your message for your vision of Vietnam.
Anh Quoc D. Phan left Vietnam at the age of 3 with his parents and 6 siblings on a rickety boat built by his father. In 2003, he co-chaired the 3rd International Vietnamese Youth Conference at the University of San Diego, which yielded over 650 participants from 18 countries. Currently the General Secretary for the Len Duong International Vietnamese Youth Network, he recently chaired the 5th International Youth Vietnamese Conference held in Malaysia in January 2008.
Quang Ha, Candidate for MBA at George Washington University
With the Asian Greek scene becoming a hotspot for college co-eds, many are reaping the benefits of joining such organizations. This workshop will provide a great informative outlet to show that Asian Greek life is more than just about parties and friends. It is a way to get involved and to give back, not just to the Asian clubs at school, but to the overall community. This workshop will also show how we, specifically Asian American fraternities and sororities, are different from the stereotypes portrayed in movies such as Animal House and Old School.
Anh Quang Ha, is a first year MBA student at The George Washington University, concentrating in Human Resource Management. Prior to attending GW, he lived in San Diego where he worked at UCSD as a Human Resource Coordinator, helping chartered an Asian American Fraternity at Florida State University, one of the very first in the Southeast United States. An alumnus of the University of California, Irvine, where he majored in Asian American Studies, Anh Quang continues his active involvement in the Asian American community.
Tuyet Duong, Senior Staff Attorney, Asian American Justice Center (AAJC)
The recent murder of 4 children by their own father in Alabama highlights the urgent need to address family violence, a rampant but ignored problem in the Vietnamese American community. Although they are different types of victimizations, family violence and human trafficking have extensive intersections and roots as an emerging threat to the liberty and dignity of Vietnamese immigrants. Attendees will learn how to mobilize peers at school and in their neighborhoods to start a grassroots community education campaign on family violence and human trafficking.
Chi Tuyet Duong is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), an organization based in Washington, DC dedicated to advancing the human rights and civil rights of Asian Americans through advocacy, public policy, education, and litigation. At AAJC, Chi Tuyet leads its immigration legislative advocacy, education, and litigation efforts. She has been a featured speaker and panelist for various immigration conferences, civil rights panels, and Congressional briefings. She is currently the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Boat People SOS, Inc., and a founding board member of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington DC.
Ylan Mui, Staff Writer, The Washington Post
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to succeed in the dynamic, 24/7 business of chronicling history? This workshop will help young people explore the world of journalism at a time of great change in the country and in the industry itself.
Chi Ylan Q. Mui is a staff writer at The Washington Post covering business news as well as consumer trends. She previously was an education reporter at The Post with a focus on young people, and her magazine story on race and diversity at a local high school 50 years after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision won a national award from the Education Writers Association. Chi Ylan’s reporting has taken her all over the world, from Vietnam to Brazil, from Las Vegas to Bentonville, Ark. Chi Ylan previously worked at The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, her hometown. She is former Vice President of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association and a graduate of the group’s Executive Leadership Program.
Lisa Thuy Duong Nguyen, Executive Director of Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment (VOICE)
Chi Lisa T.D. Nguyen graduated from Arts/Law at the University of Sydney in 2005 and has worked extensively for the past two years on issues relating to refugee protection. In 2006, she volunteered at the Representative Office of the Vietnamese Community in Australia (VCA) as a legal representative, Office Manager and advocate for stateless Vietnamese people remaining in the Philippines. After returning from the Philippines in 2007, she accepted the position of Executive Director of VOICE.
XUYEN DONG-MATSUDA | Clinical Director, Orange County Asian Pacific Islanders Community Alliance (OCAPICA)
Cô Xuyen Dong-Matsuda holds a Bachelor degree in psychology (BA), a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work and Administration (MSW), and is a licensed psychotherapist (LCSW). She is a Service Chief of an Adult Outpatient Mental Health Service, which is part of a local government agency. She also serves as a consultant and trainer for the Orange County Asian Pacific Islanders Community Alliance (OCAPICA), Southeast Asian Education Foundation, Children Home Society, Little Tokyo Service Center and other human service organizations. In addition, she provides executive and personal life coaching to diverse professionals. Currently, Cô Xuyen is a doctoral candidate of clinical psychology program at CGI, School of Professional Psychology. She is also a long time member of the Vietnamese Professional Society. She is committed to contributing to the development of civil society in Vietnam through non-violent means and social activism.
Tuan Kien Nguyen, ANH OI Apparel Design
Do you have a digital camera and access to the Internet? That’s all you need to start your own viral social campaign. This workshop will show you the common and uncommon tools and secrets of starting a viral campaign. Combining today’s accessible technology with the creativity and socially conscience youth there is no limit on what can be done. Capture your audience, become a citizen journalist, and make a difference today!
Anh Tuan Kien Nguyen is a multi-disciplined artist residing in the Washington DC metro area. His work includes television production, documentaries, animation, and most recently ANH OI, his own apparel design. Currently, Anh Tuan is producing a new animation series titled, “Legends of Vietnam” (LOV), in which he retells ancient Vietnamese folklore that contains proverbs and underlying moral lessons. He hopes that the characters in this animation will ignite new interest in the Vietnamese culture and provide the younger generation with a variety of heroes and heroines to look up to. Anh Tuan studied classical art in Rome, Italy and graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Imaging and Digital Arts in 2001.
Her latest two film projects are in Viet Nam. Shot in December of 2007, “Viet Nam Overtures” is a documentary on symphony musicians, is directed by Anh Stephane Gauger and co-produced by Chi Jenni. She also served as the Production Manager for “Only If” a Russian comedy feature directed by Oleg Ossipanov.
Kristine Sa – Pop/Indie Artist
Chi Kristine Sa began her singing career at the age of 17 under Nemesis Records. Her debut album, “I Never Knew”, released in 2002, generated sales reaching all over the world. She continued her legacy with her second album, “reBIRTH” in 2004, her anime project, “AnimeToonz3″ in 2005, and finally, “Hopeless Romantic” in early 2007. She is also a known voice actress in the Anime community and the musical voice of numerous English versions of anime theme songs for well-known shows such as “One Piece.” Most recently she’s released the first song she’s written using her first language, Vietnamese. The track titled “My Last Goodbye” (available on iTUNES) has gotten countless attention for its clever play on languages, weaving seamlessly in and out of English and Vietnamese in lyrical context. To this day she continues to pave the way for a new and unique brand of Pop music
STEPHANE GAUGER | Director of “Owl and the Sparrow”
Born in Saigon, Vietnam and raised in Orange County, California, Anh Stephen Gauger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and French Literature at Cal State Fullerton. He subsequently worked in the camera and lighting departments on independent films in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, including “Three Seasons,” “Green Dragon,” and “Journey From the Fall,” all the while honing his writing and directing craft on short films.
His feature-directing debut, “Owl and the Sparrow,” shot on location in Saigon, premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival 2007 and has gone on to win nine awards at international festivals in Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Anh Stephane was featured in Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of 2007. He was also nominated for “Breakthrough Director” at the Gotham Awards and the John Cassavetes award at Independent Spirit Awards. He is now in post-production on “Viet Nam Overtures,” a documentary on Vietnam’s classical music scene, including the National Symphony in Hanoi and the Saigon Symphony Orchestra. He is now forming a film distribution company with directors Anh Timothy Bui and Anh Ham Tran to showcase Vietnamese content films.
DR. NGUYEN NGOC BICH
The Vietnamese American Student Conference (VASCON) recognizes that for the youth of today to be the leaders of the tomorrow, they must have a solid foundation to pave the way for success. That is why VASCON focuses on bringing together individuals from numerous fields and disciplines to dialogue with attendees to explore pressing issues confronting the Vietnamese American community and how to take part in the solution. The Beacon of Light Award recognizes the individuals who share this mission of advancing our community.
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bich is a former Director of the Vietnamese Service at Radio Free Asia (RFA). Born in Hanoi, Vietnam, and educated in Saigon, the United States, Japan and Europe, Mr. Bich is fluent in seven languages.
As an educator, Nguyen Ngoc Bich has taught at university level both in Vietnam and in the United States. Since coming to the U.S. in 1975, he has taught adult education, elementary school and high school in Arlington, Virginia, then at the university level at Trinity College, George Mason University (where he taught Vietnamese Literature and Vietnamese Culture and Civilization), and Georgetown University (where he was a teacher trainer in Bilingual and Multicultural Education). Together with his wife, Dr. Dao Thi Hoi, a linguist and ESL specialist, he was one of a group of educators who in 1979 founded NAVAE (National Association for Vietnamese American Education), the ancestor of NAFEA (National Association for the Education and Advancement of Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese Americans). Mr. Bich was the third president of NAVAE, which he headed from 1984 to 1986. Widely recognized for his work in education, he was appointed by President Bush to the post of Deputy Director, Office of
Bilingual Education and Minority Language Affairs (aka OBEMLA), at the U.S. Department of Education, where he served under Secretary Lamar Alexander from 1991 to 1993.
LE VAN KIET | Director of “Dust of Life”
Anh Le-Van Kiet was born in Vietnam. In 1982, at the age of four, he and his family became part of the Second Wave of Boat People who risked their lives to immigrate to the United States. He received a grant from the UCLA School of Film and Television for his short film “The Silence.” “Dust of Life” is the product of a four year journey in which marks Anh Le-Van Kiet’s first feature film debut.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My illustrations although looks like it was drawn by a 10 year old, is actually done by an adult.
Very often my art is a result of an exploration of Vietnamese culture, urging me to question important things in life like, “Why is Pho so great”?
Viet Art Project is an evolving series of portraits celebrating Vietnamese who have inspired others. Some are historic pioneers of human rights while others I accidentally googled somehow. Each has a story that needs to be told, encouraging us to pursue our dreams.
Thien-bao Phi was born in Sai Gon, Viet Nam, the youngest son to two mixed blood Chinese and Vietnamese parents who raised him in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis as a Vietnamese boy in the hood. A graduate of Macalester College and retired pizza delivery boy, Bao has performed at numerous venues and schools locally and nationally, from the Nuyorican Poet’s Café to the University of California, Berkeley.
Currently he works as a program associate at the Loft where he curates and operates Equilibrium, a successful spoken word series he created, which invites nationally recognized artists of color/indigenous artists to share the stage with local Minnesota artists of color/indigenous artists. He is also working on his new CD, Refugeography, and continues to tour around the country.
Xuan, Boat People S.O.S. Program Coordinator, Community outreach and mental health education, fund development, working with the coolest kids on the block: Vietnamese senior citizens.
A graduate from MIT, Vudoo Soul is a special rarity in the music industry; he is as smart as he is talented. With a magical singing ability and a grounded work ethic he has quickly paved his path towards superstardom.
Christopher Vu is a product Vietnamese ancestry and sunny California, where he was born and raised. Now known as Vudoo Soul, his love of music was influenced by singer songwriter Stevie Wonder. Vu became a self-taught pianist during his time at MIT, where he sang with an A-Capella group called “The Logarhythms”. After a stroke of luck, he was picked for season two of American Idol, but was cut before the show’s taping began. This, however did not stop Vudoo Soul from continuing his dream of becoming a performer.
As a solo act he has reached much success and has performed in front of thousands of audiences across the nation. His “see-it-to-believe-it” reputation has stunned audiences throughout the USA and Asia. His singles “Lover Come Over,” “Infatuated,” “Oh Too Late”, “Runnin” can be heard here, and don’t forget to check out his exclusive interview with Eastbound FX! You should also sign up at his MySpace and check out his Xanga!
Pha Le
http://www.storylinedesigns.com/
Alexia Dinh, Program Coordinator, Boat People SOS (BPSOS)
“No one is left behind,” is a phrase often used when referring to healthcare in the US. In actuality, many immigrant men and women seeking health care are left behind every day. Lack of health insurance, cultural stigmas, and lack of Vietnamese-speaking service providers and Vietnamese educational materials on basic health information lead to misconceptions and exacerbated health diagnosis. This workshop will address health disparities among Vietnamese Americans and equip attendees with ideas/skills on how they can make a difference.
Chi Alexia Dinh is the Program Coordinator for the Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI) at Boat People SOS (BPSOS). At BPSOS she does case management, conducts intakes, assesses needs to develop individualized health awareness plans, and refers clients to clinics, hospitals and local health care providers. Since she has been with the program, she has built and maintained partnerships with government agencies, funding sources, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, service providers, clinics and hospitals. Chi Alexia is also an entrepreneur and a community leader in humanitarian efforts. In her spare time, she organizes a project called “Roll Alongside Me”, which she founded to deliver wheelchairs to mobility-impaired individuals in Vietnam through fundraisers and charity banquets.
Alvina Yeh, Program Coordinator | Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
Alvina Yeh is the Program Coordinator of APIAVote where she coordinates the internship and youth outreach programs. She is also a member of the events, communications, and web development teams for APIAVote. In addition to working at APIAVote, Alvina serves as the Midwest/West-Coast Regional Director for Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. Alvina graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder where she studied International Affairs and Ethnic Studies.
APIAVote is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes civic participation of Asian Pacific Islander Americans in the electoral and public policy processes at the national, state and local levels
Pabitra Benjamin, Director of Organizing and Training | Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
Did you know that the Asian American vote can swing the outcome of the election? This workshop will highlight the promising strength and influence of the APIA community by looking at voting trends, and promote the organization of voting campaigns on the college campus.
Pabitra Benjamin is the Field Director for the Rights Working Group, and was the former Field Director for APIAVote, where she worked with local APIA organizations to develop on-the-ground voter engagement programs. Pabitra graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a double major in Political Science and Languages & Cultures of Asia.
Dang Du, Candidate for Masters of Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University
This workshop will seek to equip young activists, community leaders, and emerging student leaders with the analytical tools and provide them with a multidisciplinary framework on how to translate thought into social action. Of particular focus are actions that affect social changes by fusing both a community organizing approach with useful policy analysis tools.
Anh Dang Du is currently a graduate student pursuing a masters degree in public policy at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, located just outside of Washington D.C. His policy concentration focuses on macroeconomic issues including: economic growth, fiscal and monetary policy. His childhood experiences in Vietnam sparked a strong interest in economics. Accordingly, he regards economics as the study of poverty, or a discipline thoroughly concerned with poverty alleviation. He’s also working at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a DC-based think-tank that engages in research on government policies that affects those in poverty.
Daniel Pham, President, UCLA Vietnamese Student Union
The workshop explores gender and sexuality in the context of the Vietnamese community. Through different activities, participants will be able to investigate and survey how our culture discusses, or ignores, such pertinent issues. Participants will also be able to explore their own selves, their ways of thinking, and how they themselves affect others.
Born in 1986 in Vietnam, Anh Daniel Pham immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 4. He did not come to discover his cultural roots until he attended UCLA. After a stint as an intern for the Vietnamese Student Union at UCLA, he was elected to be the Political Advocacy Coordinator for 2006-2007. Currently a third year student majoring in Neuroscience, Anh Daniel continues to be heavily involved in the Vietnamese community at UCLA and in Southern California through VSU.
Giang Nguyen
Anh Duong Hoang received his B.S. from the University of Connecticut, his M.S. from Southern Connecticut State University, and is currently pursuing his doctorate at Howard University in Washington, DC. He presently serves as the mental health counselor for the STEP program BPSOS. A mental health therapist at a private practice on Capitol Hill in the D.C. area, Anh Duong is currently one of few Vietnamese Ph.D. candidate in Psychology.
Jessica Dang, Fine Art Dealer
Cocktail parties prove to be the ultimate sink-or-swim test of social skills. Can you hold your own in a room of fine art experts, curators, collectors, and critics? This workshop will provide you with behind-the-curtains glimpse of the exclusive territory of the art world, and how to confidently navigate through its social situations and events.
Chi Jessica Dang is a consultant in her fiancé’s business of private dealing fine art (Impressionists, Modern Masters, Post-War and Contemporary). She is also a regular contributor to the JC Report, an online global fashion trend publication. She holds a Masters of Art (M.A.) degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art – New York, and a Bachelors of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree in Design Management from Parsons The New School for Design
Hien Dang, Program Manager & Duong Hoang, Counselor, Boat People SOS (BPSOS)
The body of knowledge on Asian Americans’ mental health consistently cites Vietnamese Americans as underrepresented within the mental health care system. Specifically, multicultural mental health literature suggests stigma, saving face, perceived weakness, lack of awareness, and language as major barriers to the under utilization of mental health services among Vietnamese Americans. Sections of the presented workshop will aim to address the Vietnamese traditional beliefs about mental illnesses and the current mental health disparities; stimulate dialogue among participants on bridging the gap between mental health service providers and Vietnamese Americans; and equip the attendees with proven tools to “plant seeds” within their Vietnamese communities that can put an end to mental health disparities.
Chi Hien Dang is Program Manager of the Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP) for BPSOS in Falls Church, VA. Chi Hien spearheads the national implementation of an innovative culturally responsive education and wellness program that addresses the mental health needs of Vietnamese seniors. Dedicated to serving the community, Chi Hien also invests in a wide range of service projects. In July 2007, she was a speaker at the Minority Women’s Health Summit in Washington, DC. Recently, Chi Hien enrolled at Argosy University’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, where she plans to graduate with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2009.
Dr. Ngoc Quan Chu DDS, Chairman, Hope For Tomorrow Inc.
We are privileged to have access to the world’s best dental and medical resources at our finger tips. However, there are millions who lack such basic needs. By providing dental/medical care to the underprivileged, we give them hope. By teaching the underprivileged public health, we educate them and give them the foresight for preventive care. Good physical and mental health is the building block of any society. By educating and showing people how to take care of themselves, we give them the tools and knowledge to “Plant the Seedlings” for future generations which are healthier and stronger.
Dr. Ngoc Chu heads his own practice with two offices in Maryland and has served as an Instructor for Maryland State Dental Association and Southern Maryland Dental Society. He has 20 years of experience in Dentistry and has served and led 18 dental and medical missions. Dr. Ngoc is now an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland Dental School Post-Graduate Prosthodontic Program, and the Chairman of the Board for Hope For Tomorrow, a Rockville, MD based non-profit organization.
Daphne Dang, Intern | Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment (VOICE)
Chi Daphne Dang grew up in San Jose, California. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 2006. She volunteered with VOICE in the Philippines as a legal representative and Office Manager from April to November 2007. Currently, Chi Daphne is continuing to work with VOICE through an internship in the organization’s Washington, DC office. She plans to pursue a graduate education following her internship.
A leading non-government organization (NGO) working in Vietnamese refugee issues, VOICE was established in 2007 to win asylum for the last remaining stateless Vietnamese refugees in the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia. With successes of these resettlement, VOICE will now focus on the fight to stop human trafficking. Currently, its dedicated staff is working to open a resource office to service trafficked Vietnamese women and children in Cambodia
Duc Dinh, Founder of Lend A Hand
With Vietnam’s rising economy, the gap between the rich and the poor has never been so far apart. We will have discussion on real and everyday scenario (base on a recent trip in December) and how we can provide impoverished children and orphans an opportunity to have a new beginning. Attendees will hear about heart breaking scenarios and learn of how they can make a difference. We will trade ideas with hopes of providing a major impact on children and poverty.
Anh Duc T. Dinh, 22 years old, is a community leader. At age 17, Anh Dinh founded Lend A Hand, Inc. (Vietnamese Youth Organization), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping impoverished children in Vietnam. The organization is in its fifth year and is running strong with successful humanitarian aid trips to Vietnam.
Helly Lee, Director of Policy, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
In January 2007, the U.S. and Vietnam signed an agreement to repatriate Vietnamese nationals from the U.S. What does this mean and how did we get here? This workshop will focus on the topics of deportation and immigration policies, how they impact Southeast Asian American communities, and why we should care about this issue.
Ms. Helly Lee is the Director of Policy for the Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC). Prior to joining SEARAC, she spent some time on Capitol Hill interning and later working in Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s DC office. She was also a Program Coordinator at Hmong National Development (HND) where she coordinated the annual Hmong National Conference, and the HND annual scholarship among many other roles. Ms. Lee received her Masters of Social Work with a concentration in Social Policy and Evaluation from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and her B.A. in Social Work with a concentration in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Vudoo Vu, R&B Artist
Everyone’s heard that all is fair in love and war – the entertainment industry for the modern Vietnamese American is no different. The stories presented in this workshop will be both personal and anecdotal with insider info about the nature of the Vietnamese & American entertainment industry to benefit those who have aspirations as singers, musicians, actors, entertainment lawyers, or business persons.
As one of the defining faces of today’s emerging soul artists, Anh Vudoo Soul has broken barriers with the relentless, inspiring spirit that embodies his music. Displaying an explosive stage presence and a commanding voice that betrays his appearance, the MIT-graduate-turned-R&B singer-songwriter has infamously garnered a “you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it” reputation. Grand-prize winner of NY Kollaboration 2005, Grand-prize winner of California’s Asian Elevation 2006 and champion of multiple Underground Hip-Hop/R&B Competitions in New York, he continues to work and travel constantly to bring a heart-felt voice to audiences across the nation.
ADRIAN HONG, Executive Director of Liberty in North Korea (LiNK)
Working out of LiNK’s headquarters office in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, Mr. Hongspends his time advocating for the North Korean people to governments, institutions and agencies worldwide, working on policy issues affecting the North Korean people, maintaining and supporting a large underground network of shelters for North Korean refugees in hiding, and organizing routes and operations on the underground railroad bringing North Korean refugees to freedom, with the help of a brilliant and dynamic core staff at LiNK. Mr. Hong has briefed and advised members of the US Senate and House of Representatives, the National Security Council, and officials of the US Department of State on the issue, as well as diplomatic and parliamentary representatives from the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Japan, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and the European Union, and officials of many international organizations and agencies.While in college, Mr. Hong served as Executive Director of the 18th Annual KASCON (Korean American Students Conference), held at Yale University. Mr. Hong also helped found VASCON (Vietnamese American Student Conference), which now stands in its fourth year.
DOAN HOANG | Director of “Oh Saigon”
Chi Doan Hoang (Hoang Nien Thuc-Doan) is an award-winning producer, director, and writer of films, heading her own production company, Nuoc Pictures. She was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam to a South Vietnamese Air Force major from Saigon and a Mekong Delta socialite. Raised in Kentucky, Chi Doan wrote her first book about the Vietnam War at age 9 and made her first documentary film about war at the age of 13. A graduate of Smith College, Chi Doan spent years as an editor and writer, working for national magazines such as Details, House & Garden, Spin, and Saveur. “Oh, Saigon” is a seven-year documentary study on her family, funded by the Sundance Institute, ITVS, the Center for Asian American Media, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and has played in festivals nationally and internationally. “Oh, Saigon” recently screened at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and won Best Feature Documentary at the Brooklyn Arts Council International Film Festival. Some of her other film titles include “Agent,” “Good Morning Captains,” and “A Requieum for Vegetables.” She is currently writing a screenplay about perception and producing a new documentary about Vietnam today.
DUY LOAN LE, Senior Fellow at Texas Instruments
Duy-Loan T. Le came to America in 1975. She graduated from Alief Hastings High School at 16 as Valedictorian of her class of 335 students in 1979. In 1982, Duy-Loan received her BSEE from University of Texas with High Honor and subsequently obtained her MBA from University of Houston while working full time. She started as a memory design engineer in 1982 at the age of 19 with Texas Instruments. She is a currently managing development project for wireless communication using leading edge technology.In 2002, Duy-Loan made TI’s history by becoming the first woman and the first Asian American to get elected to the rank of TI Senior Fellow, a title held only by 4 other people at Texas Instruments. Duy-Loan holds 20 patents and 8 pending applications. Duy-Loan’s contributions to TI on the people front is no less impressive. She chaired TI Houston Women Initiative and helped initiate several programs supporting career advancement for minorities such as ‘Nurturing Minority To The Technical Ladder’, ‘Succession Planning for Female Fellows’, Professional Lecture Series, DSP Boot camp for Managers/Supervisors and TI Houston Vietnamese Initiative. Duy-Loan’s service to the community includes participation in various projects sponsored by United Way.
Quoc Phan, General Secretary, Len Duong International Vietnamese Youth Network
How can you turn your vision for Vietnam into a road map of smaller steps and turn it into reality? The youth movement and student activism have been a crucial voice in campus, national, and global campaigns. At a juncture, a student-led non-violent movement can be a revolutionary means to achieving social justice. Come learn about branding your message for your vision of Vietnam.
Anh Quoc D. Phan left Vietnam at the age of 3 with his parents and 6 siblings on a rickety boat built by his father. In 2003, he co-chaired the 3rd International Vietnamese Youth Conference at the University of San Diego, which yielded over 650 participants from 18 countries. Currently the General Secretary for the Len Duong International Vietnamese Youth Network, he recently chaired the 5th International Youth Vietnamese Conference held in Malaysia in January 2008.
Quang Ha, Candidate for MBA at George Washington University
With the Asian Greek scene becoming a hotspot for college co-eds, many are reaping the benefits of joining such organizations. This workshop will provide a great informative outlet to show that Asian Greek life is more than just about parties and friends. It is a way to get involved and to give back, not just to the Asian clubs at school, but to the overall community. This workshop will also show how we, specifically Asian American fraternities and sororities, are different from the stereotypes portrayed in movies such as Animal House and Old School.
Anh Quang Ha, is a first year MBA student at The George Washington University, concentrating in Human Resource Management. Prior to attending GW, he lived in San Diego where he worked at UCSD as a Human Resource Coordinator, helping chartered an Asian American Fraternity at Florida State University, one of the very first in the Southeast United States. An alumnus of the University of California, Irvine, where he majored in Asian American Studies, Anh Quang continues his active involvement in the Asian American community.
Tuyet Duong, Senior Staff Attorney, Asian American Justice Center (AAJC)
The recent murder of 4 children by their own father in Alabama highlights the urgent need to address family violence, a rampant but ignored problem in the Vietnamese American community. Although they are different types of victimizations, family violence and human trafficking have extensive intersections and roots as an emerging threat to the liberty and dignity of Vietnamese immigrants. Attendees will learn how to mobilize peers at school and in their neighborhoods to start a grassroots community education campaign on family violence and human trafficking.
Chi Tuyet Duong is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), an organization based in Washington, DC dedicated to advancing the human rights and civil rights of Asian Americans through advocacy, public policy, education, and litigation. At AAJC, Chi Tuyet leads its immigration legislative advocacy, education, and litigation efforts. She has been a featured speaker and panelist for various immigration conferences, civil rights panels, and Congressional briefings. She is currently the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Boat People SOS, Inc., and a founding board member of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington DC.
Ylan Mui, Staff Writer, The Washington Post
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to succeed in the dynamic, 24/7 business of chronicling history? This workshop will help young people explore the world of journalism at a time of great change in the country and in the industry itself.
Chi Ylan Q. Mui is a staff writer at The Washington Post covering business news as well as consumer trends. She previously was an education reporter at The Post with a focus on young people, and her magazine story on race and diversity at a local high school 50 years after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision won a national award from the Education Writers Association. Chi Ylan’s reporting has taken her all over the world, from Vietnam to Brazil, from Las Vegas to Bentonville, Ark. Chi Ylan previously worked at The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, her hometown. She is former Vice President of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association and a graduate of the group’s Executive Leadership Program.
Lisa Thuy Duong Nguyen, Executive Director of Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment (VOICE)
Chi Lisa T.D. Nguyen graduated from Arts/Law at the University of Sydney in 2005 and has worked extensively for the past two years on issues relating to refugee protection. In 2006, she volunteered at the Representative Office of the Vietnamese Community in Australia (VCA) as a legal representative, Office Manager and advocate for stateless Vietnamese people remaining in the Philippines. After returning from the Philippines in 2007, she accepted the position of Executive Director of VOICE.
XUYEN DONG-MATSUDA | Clinical Director, Orange County Asian Pacific Islanders Community Alliance (OCAPICA)
Cô Xuyen Dong-Matsuda holds a Bachelor degree in psychology (BA), a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work and Administration (MSW), and is a licensed psychotherapist (LCSW). She is a Service Chief of an Adult Outpatient Mental Health Service, which is part of a local government agency. She also serves as a consultant and trainer for the Orange County Asian Pacific Islanders Community Alliance (OCAPICA), Southeast Asian Education Foundation, Children Home Society, Little Tokyo Service Center and other human service organizations. In addition, she provides executive and personal life coaching to diverse professionals. Currently, Cô Xuyen is a doctoral candidate of clinical psychology program at CGI, School of Professional Psychology. She is also a long time member of the Vietnamese Professional Society. She is committed to contributing to the development of civil society in Vietnam through non-violent means and social activism.
Tuan Kien Nguyen, ANH OI Apparel Design
Do you have a digital camera and access to the Internet? That’s all you need to start your own viral social campaign. This workshop will show you the common and uncommon tools and secrets of starting a viral campaign. Combining today’s accessible technology with the creativity and socially conscience youth there is no limit on what can be done. Capture your audience, become a citizen journalist, and make a difference today!
Anh Tuan Kien Nguyen is a multi-disciplined artist residing in the Washington DC metro area. His work includes television production, documentaries, animation, and most recently ANH OI, his own apparel design. Currently, Anh Tuan is producing a new animation series titled, “Legends of Vietnam” (LOV), in which he retells ancient Vietnamese folklore that contains proverbs and underlying moral lessons. He hopes that the characters in this animation will ignite new interest in the Vietnamese culture and provide the younger generation with a variety of heroes and heroines to look up to. Anh Tuan studied classical art in Rome, Italy and graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Imaging and Digital Arts in 2001.
JENNI TRANG LE | Writer, Director of “Oh Mommy” & Producer of “Chopsticks”
Chi Jenni Trang Le graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelors of Art in Anthropology. In a quest to create original works straight from their hearts, Chi Jenni and her cousin, Chi Nadine Truong began CuzCuz Productions in the fall of 2006, beginning with “Chopsticks”, a 15-minute family drama written and directed by Chi Nadine and produced by Chi Jenni. They are currently working on a feature length documentary on a Vietnamese family. In 2007, Chi Jenni received a grant from the “Armed With a Camera” fellowship sponsored by Visual Communications. Through that program, she was able to create “Oh Mommy” (Me Oi!), a 6 minute claymation short and her directing debut.Her latest two film projects are in Viet Nam. Shot in December of 2007, “Viet Nam Overtures” is a documentary on symphony musicians, is directed by Anh Stephane Gauger and co-produced by Chi Jenni. She also served as the Production Manager for “Only If” a Russian comedy feature directed by Oleg Ossipanov.
Kristine Sa – Pop/Indie Artist
Chi Kristine Sa began her singing career at the age of 17 under Nemesis Records. Her debut album, “I Never Knew”, released in 2002, generated sales reaching all over the world. She continued her legacy with her second album, “reBIRTH” in 2004, her anime project, “AnimeToonz3″ in 2005, and finally, “Hopeless Romantic” in early 2007. She is also a known voice actress in the Anime community and the musical voice of numerous English versions of anime theme songs for well-known shows such as “One Piece.” Most recently she’s released the first song she’s written using her first language, Vietnamese. The track titled “My Last Goodbye” (available on iTUNES) has gotten countless attention for its clever play on languages, weaving seamlessly in and out of English and Vietnamese in lyrical context. To this day she continues to pave the way for a new and unique brand of Pop music
STEPHANE GAUGER | Director of “Owl and the Sparrow”
Born in Saigon, Vietnam and raised in Orange County, California, Anh Stephen Gauger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and French Literature at Cal State Fullerton. He subsequently worked in the camera and lighting departments on independent films in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, including “Three Seasons,” “Green Dragon,” and “Journey From the Fall,” all the while honing his writing and directing craft on short films.
His feature-directing debut, “Owl and the Sparrow,” shot on location in Saigon, premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival 2007 and has gone on to win nine awards at international festivals in Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Anh Stephane was featured in Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of 2007. He was also nominated for “Breakthrough Director” at the Gotham Awards and the John Cassavetes award at Independent Spirit Awards. He is now in post-production on “Viet Nam Overtures,” a documentary on Vietnam’s classical music scene, including the National Symphony in Hanoi and the Saigon Symphony Orchestra. He is now forming a film distribution company with directors Anh Timothy Bui and Anh Ham Tran to showcase Vietnamese content films.
DR. NGUYEN NGOC BICH
The Vietnamese American Student Conference (VASCON) recognizes that for the youth of today to be the leaders of the tomorrow, they must have a solid foundation to pave the way for success. That is why VASCON focuses on bringing together individuals from numerous fields and disciplines to dialogue with attendees to explore pressing issues confronting the Vietnamese American community and how to take part in the solution. The Beacon of Light Award recognizes the individuals who share this mission of advancing our community.
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bich is a former Director of the Vietnamese Service at Radio Free Asia (RFA). Born in Hanoi, Vietnam, and educated in Saigon, the United States, Japan and Europe, Mr. Bich is fluent in seven languages.
As an educator, Nguyen Ngoc Bich has taught at university level both in Vietnam and in the United States. Since coming to the U.S. in 1975, he has taught adult education, elementary school and high school in Arlington, Virginia, then at the university level at Trinity College, George Mason University (where he taught Vietnamese Literature and Vietnamese Culture and Civilization), and Georgetown University (where he was a teacher trainer in Bilingual and Multicultural Education). Together with his wife, Dr. Dao Thi Hoi, a linguist and ESL specialist, he was one of a group of educators who in 1979 founded NAVAE (National Association for Vietnamese American Education), the ancestor of NAFEA (National Association for the Education and Advancement of Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese Americans). Mr. Bich was the third president of NAVAE, which he headed from 1984 to 1986. Widely recognized for his work in education, he was appointed by President Bush to the post of Deputy Director, Office of
Bilingual Education and Minority Language Affairs (aka OBEMLA), at the U.S. Department of Education, where he served under Secretary Lamar Alexander from 1991 to 1993.
LE VAN KIET | Director of “Dust of Life”
Anh Le-Van Kiet was born in Vietnam. In 1982, at the age of four, he and his family became part of the Second Wave of Boat People who risked their lives to immigrate to the United States. He received a grant from the UCLA School of Film and Television for his short film “The Silence.” “Dust of Life” is the product of a four year journey in which marks Anh Le-Van Kiet’s first feature film debut.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My illustrations although looks like it was drawn by a 10 year old, is actually done by an adult.
Very often my art is a result of an exploration of Vietnamese culture, urging me to question important things in life like, “Why is Pho so great”?
Viet Art Project is an evolving series of portraits celebrating Vietnamese who have inspired others. Some are historic pioneers of human rights while others I accidentally googled somehow. Each has a story that needs to be told, encouraging us to pursue our dreams.
