Vu has a BA in Psychology and an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis. This is his sixth year with VFA. He was a Dan Than Americorps member for two years before becoming VFA’s Executive Director.
“I remember coming over to the US when I was eight. One day I got off at the wrong bus stop and ended up wandering around downtown Philadelphia. My mother, not knowing any English, jumped on the bus and somehow demanded that the driver circle his route looking for me. She must have felt so helpless and scared. I think that many immigrants and refugees, Vietnamese or not, often feel lost, trying to navigate among complex systems of language and culture. Even youth who are born here can experience confusion and doubt about who they are. If we do a good job at the VFA, our youth and parents will feel a little less lost. At the same time, there is so much potential in the Vietnamese community that has not yet been tapped. I see VFA bringing out the best of our community.”
James L., a Seattle native, is a graduate of the Unviersity of Washington’s Jackson School in International Studies. This is his fifth year with VFA. He was a Dan Than Americorps member for two years before filling VFA’s vacant Director of Youth Educational Services.
“What makes me want to work for VFA? It’s action packed and the commitment from the team to the community is amazing. We have the opportunity to work with so many other great agencies and I get to hang out with students six days a week. VFA is service driven, community-based and fun-laced. I think of the community as a big pizza, and VFA is one of the many toppings that makes education so delicious.”
Kaly worked with the VFA after school and summer programs as an Americorps volunteer in 2008-2009. She returned to the VFA in February 2011 to take over coordinating the Parent Advocacy Program, which mainly offers computer classes for Vietnamese adults.
“I have plans for the Parent Program. In the spirit of celebrating a new beginning, I’m looking forward to the Parent Program making improvements on current (family) services, setting new goals and expectations, exploring alternative resources for program sustainability, and strengthening community partnerships, as well as establishing new relationships with schools and other organizations.”
James H. is a graduate of the University of Washington with degrees in psychology, sociology, and education. He served in Cambodia as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years before becoming the EASE After School Program Director at VFA in September 2010. Currently, James directs Youth and Community Engagement Programs at VFA.
“My experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cambodia made me appreciate and recognize how the mobilization of youth can empower individuals and communities. The experience also afforded me the opportunity to reflect about my own upbringing as a Vietnamese-American, and sparked an interest to serving this population when my Peace Corps service ended. I’m excited to be working at the VFA and using my skills and experience to mentor and nurture the next generation of Vietnamese-American youth.
Tinh obtained a degree in Economics with a specialization in Finance from Seattle University. He has been working with the VFA’s finance and accounting since September 2010.
“Literacy is very important in our lives. Most of us might take for granted the education we receive in this country, while many people around the world don’t have the chance to receive an education. My parents and I struggled very much when we first came here because of our lack of English. I am sure others of a similar background struggled too. Without English proficiency, it is very difficult to get what you want in this country. Thus, I wish to aid the VFA in educating our youth, so that future generations of Vietnamese can prosper.”
Connie has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently in the process of earning her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington with a concentration in community-centered practice. Connie will be interning with VFA for the 2011-2012 school year.
“It is a privilege and honor to be a part of the work that VFA is doing within the Vietnamese community. I know my time here will allow me to hone the skills necessary to pursue a future in international community-based work. I am truly excited for all the rich opportunities to learn and grow in this upcoming year!”
