• Huyền Trang, Tổng thư ký WLIN Miền Bắc, Media Director
• Giáo Sư Tô Văn Lai
Photos
• Lyllian Nguyen
• Quynh Nguyen
• Alan Vo Ford
Table of Contents
Editor’s Note
The Vietnamese Mothers: Love, Dedication, Sacrifice, and Reinvention
Discovering Viet Nam Legacy:
The Limitless Potential of Thuy Nga - Paris By Night
Building Bridges In Global Markets and the Metaverse
Global Leadership: Business Insights Over 3 Decades
Vietnamese Films On The Global Stage
THE USS MIDWAY – My Old Friend
Where in the World is LAT-Viet Nam?
Thúy Nga : Hành
A Note
From The Executive Director
Los Angeles Tribune – Viet Nam Journal
Dr. Emily Letran
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.”
-Richard Branson
Almost 3 months ago, the CEO of the Los Angeles Tribune, Moe Rock, offered me an opportunity to create a Vietnamese division of the Tribune.
I immediately saw the “amazing opportunity.”
I know a lot of Vietnamese business owners who should be highlighted in the global market. I know our Vietnamese community would have lots of stories to share and much success to brag about. I know we CAN close the gap - the missing link of connection between the prosperous Vietnamese community and mainstream media and among Vietnamese people who live all over the world.
Do I know how to run a newspaper?
Absolutely not! But I thought my experience of writing and collaborating on 18 books may be helpful.
Do I think I will have community support?
Absolutely! One of the goals of the LA Tribune is sharing positive news, and I am certain I can be the promoter of good news.
Almost 90 days later, here we are. You now have in your hands the inaugural copy of the Los Angeles Tribune - Viet Nam Journal.
Right after saying “yes,” our team—Lyllian Nguyen, Quynh Nguyen and myself—traveled internationally to interview, learn, and share Vietnamese news and stories within local communities, from business expos in Dallas and Viet Nam to prestigious events like Cannes Film Festival in France.
We are humbled to have the privilege of sharing these stories because we learned about the challenges behind the scenes, as well as the successes that have not been told. We are certain this journal will be welcomed by friends, families, and the business community who wish to reach out to more Vietnamese people. We are ecstatic to bring our viewpoints to the global stage, knowing that our opinions may help change the world more positively.
This will be a journey of learning because we will learn the business of journalism along the way. It will be a journey of giving because we will help business and communities gain a spotlight on the global stage. And it will be our journey of personal growth because we are absolutely sure we will bring new perspectives, possibly ones out-of-the-box, in our breaking stories.
We have our deepest gratitude for Moe Rock and the Los Angeles Tribune team for giving us this opportunity. We want to shoutout our Co-Director Michael Silvers, who is our 110% supporter and “silent partner” behind the scene. And many thanks to our Graphic Designer, Maybelle Dejasco, for her dedication and patience working with our new team.
Enjoy the journal!
All rights reserved 2024. The views and opinions stated in this publication are those of the writers and do not represent those of the LA Tribune - Viet Nam Journal. Replication of this content without prior permission from the authors is prohibited.
The Vietnamese Mothers:
Love, Dedication, Sacrifice, and Reinvention
by Dr. Emily Letran
“1000 years of slavery under Chinese domination 100 years under French domination 20 years of daily civil war
The inheritance Mom leaves for her child
The inheritance from Mom, is a sorrowful Viet Nam”
These are some of the lyrics from a very famous song by Trinh Cong Son, which paints the agonizing picture of a mother raising her children through war. Vietnamese history is about war. The Vietnamese people’s story has been about survival and triumph over tremendous challenges.
Because the tiny country of Viet Nam is in a strategic location with access to the seas, it has been a prime target for superpowers around the world, from the Chinese up North to the French half way across the globe. Vietnamese women have risen above all odds and had the difficult tasks of serving husbands, teaching kids, and taking care of parents in times of so much violence, grief, and tribulation.
In this article, I have the absolute privilege to write about Vietnamese Mothers. These stories encompass their journey from the homeland of Viet Nam.
They represent the “typical” mothers in our culture. They are Generous, Live Life to the Fullest, and Sacrifice for the Family.
My Mother, Teacher of The Heart
My mother was a philosophy teacher. She was the youngest girl in a family of 6 children.
My mother was a beautiful, yet simple person. I don’t remember ever hearing her complain about anything. She was always there for us and with us, always being present. Whether it was picking up seashells on the beach or baking cookies using the simplest ingredients, she would chat away about life and sweet memories. She taught us to cherish what life offers and instilled in me the importance of family at a very young age.
We used to visit my maternal grandma in the suburbs every month and stay all day so the adults could catch up on life stories. The kids had enough time to play, fight, and make up again! Every important holiday, especially during the summer, we would make the long trips to visit my paternal grandmother in
Emily at zoo with mom
the countryside. We would stop by to see ALL the relatives along the way, so the trip would usually start before dawn and end at dinner time! As a kid, I used to dread the long stay because the countryside had no electricity, which meant no ice water during the hot and humid summer time. To my mother, however, life was always perfect and enjoyable.
To this day, almost five decades after she left this earth, at just about every family gathering, I would hear sentimental anecdotes about how my mother took care of everyone, not just her own family. She paid attention to the in-laws, the elderly, the cousins, the nephews, and the friends of friends. She brought joy to every life she touched.
For me, in the short time of 8 years with mom, I always strived to be a good student and received a certificate of merit just about every month. My greatest joy was seeing my mom put those certificates in an album. Every month, she would hold the new certificate as if it was the first achievement, smile at me, and give me a hug. Years later, when I topped my high school class as a valedictorian and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from college, I still longed for that smile, that hug, that recognition that Mom was proud of me doing well in school. Doing well was a simple gift that I could give to a mother who was a teacher to many young lives.
Mothers are the greatest people of support in our life, and every child deserves to have that love and encouragement growing up. I grew up missing my mom, the greatest inspiration in my life. She led a simple life, but left such a large hole in our lives. My mom passed away during the Vietnamese Fall Festival. It was the time we usually celebrate with beautiful moon cakes. Every year during that celebration, the memories come flooding back. It’s so wonderful because the image of my mom goes together with the sweet image of cake and celebration! The full moon, supposedly the most beautiful one of the year, always represented to me the perfect love of a mother for her children. The stories about my mother, passed around at many family get togethers, are truly a source of inspiration, reminding me to live up to her standard of love, dedication, and sacrifice for the family.
Le Ly Hayslip, The Trailblazer
I had the privilege of visiting Le Ly on a beautiful spring day. Her house was surrounded by beautiful statuettes and garden plants. When I crossed the threshold in the house, I felt like I entered a museum. There were memorabilia on the wall, above bookcases, and in the study room—just about wherever you look. With a gentle smile, she pointed out photos of her good friends: Senator John McCain, Secretary of States John Kerry, and President Barrack Obama, with a letter from President Bill Clinton. The lovely poster of
Ms. Le Ly working as an activist and philanthropist
Mom in her college day
the movie “Heaven and Earth,” directed by Oliver Stone, was on the wall, across from photos of a very young Tommy Lee Jones, who portrayed the American soldier in the movie.
The feeling of pride and love was palpable in the room. She shared how she came to the US in the 1970’s and was very surprised that the Americans in San Diego were so open and loving to her. The Viet Nam war was still going on, so at times she felt she was “responsible” for the war casualties while meeting her neighbors. Little by little, she learned to assimilate in the American life; speaking English and driving a car were her first accomplishments. She actually felt safer in the US compared to in Viet Nam, where she had experienced molestation and sexual harassment growing up in the countryside.
Ms. Le Ly’s life took a real turn in America. Her life was memorialized in the movie, “Heaven and Earth.” Her book depicting life through the war offered insights from a Vietnamese standpoint. She believes she is a Messenger from God, and her mission is to heal the scars of wars and to improve life in Viet Nam.
“You can take a little girl out of her village but you cannot take the village out of her.”
Ms. Le Ly’s dream is to build a Vietnamese village, “Lang Viet Nam,” in Escondido, CA, where she lives. It will celebrate heritage, culture, history, and present the beauty of Viet Nam through artifact collections.
Her Global Village Foundation works on building the Village of Peace, the Village of Hope, and charitable medical centers for the disadvantaged families in Viet Nam, spanning over several decades. She remembered the hard life back in Viet Nam. She went through challenging times in the US when her husband passed away, and she was left with young children. It seemed as if God had chosen her to endure hard times, regardless of where she lives. At the same time, He had given her big responsibilities and opportunities. Ms. Le Ly has produced a
Ms. Le Ly documenting and archiving history
Ms. Le Ly leading a movement with pride
Trailblazer meeting politicians and entertainers who shape history
documentary about women empowerment and leadership and will be hosting a Women Leadership event in Viet Nam as well as sharing her insights at the Harvard Global Leadership Summit. In 2025, she plans to organize a reunion for Viet Nam veterans who had lost their youth during the war.
Her way of thinking, to reconnect everyone through understanding and love, and to heal all the suffering from the past, is truly that of a trailblazing Vietnamese mother.
Reinvention Through The Decades
Mrs. Nhuan Pham was born as the oldest girl of an influential family in the countryside of Viet Nam. As a child, she was treated like a princess, often being escorted and riding around town on a horse with her grandfather.
Her father was the most respected man in the village and went to Hanoi to study. He later returned and was elected as a high ranking official.
In 1954, her family made that fateful trip moving from the North to South Viet Nam following the division of the country. They had to take a boat and weather a storm. She was terrified of the transition; she did not know how to swim. She prayed that if a storm were to come, she would stay on the ship until it reached the shore safely.
They finally reached an army camp, where a new life began. In the camp, her mother found ways to buy products and resell them for profit - beer, vegetables, fruits, soda, even duck eggs. Within two years of running the business, she was able to buy land, split the lots, and build four houses. Watching her mom during those times, Nhuan learned to appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit. She got married at age 22 to a military man and brought 7 beautiful children to life.
Nhuan lost one of her children in a painful accident, and several months after that, her husband lost his life defending the Republic of Viet Nam in 1975. She had the opportunity to leave the country during those last moments of the war,
2024-Nhuan Pham’s first time to Disneyland in Anaheim, California
1977 with daughter and her dad, Nguyen Dinh Kim
making the heart-wrenching decision to go to a foreign country as a single mom with 7 kids.
The days following that departure were filled with turmoil. They spent a few weeks in the Philippines and arrived in the Guam refugee camp. They were lucky to settle in California and finally Portland. This has been her home for the last 49 years. She remarried to a gentleman with 9 kids and had one child together. Now, she has built her legacy with 17 adult children, grandchildren, and beautiful great-grandchildren.
Life was not easy for a mother of 17 children. Mrs. Nhuan overcame many hardships and had to reinvent herself through 2 journeys, one within her war-torn country of Viet Nam and the other one across the ocean in America.
Through all these challenges, she rose up and reinvented herself.
As a humble Vietnamese mother, Nhuan always remembers to thank God for His protection and guidance. She knew she needed to be a role model, like a tree that shelters others from the sun, rain, and wind. She knows to try hard and never give up, having faith in lessons learned and accepting them to avoid the same failures.
She knew, as a Vietnamese mother living through decades of war, to appreciate peace and believe in herself.
These Mothers truly represented part of the Vietnamese history and culture. I am so proud to learn about them and hope that you can pause and appreciate YOUR mothers too!
1979, Nhuan Pham 38 years old purchased first home in North Portland for $33,000
2021 Thanksgiving gathering with grand children, holding great-grand child Takeo Tran
Discovering Viet Nam Legacy: THE LIMITLESS POTENTIAL OF THUY NGA - PARIS BY NIGHT
by Dr. Emily Letran
Not every day one gets to meet a giant.
I had the privilege of interviewing Marie To, the CEO of Thuy Nga, on a Tuesday morning. We scheduled the call and stuck to the time frame fairly well. Of course, that’s what I would expect from a leader with millions of followers.
When I told Marie that “Thuy Nga Paris” is a synonym for “Viet Nam” for me, she was visibly touched. I shared with her how I watched the first Paris By Night video that was shot outdoors, and I remember one of my favorite singers, Huong Lan, walked up the stairs…a few times! “That was Montmartre garden!” Marie exclaimed. The time was 1983. I had just arrived in the US as a refugee in 1981 and longed for anything Vietnamese.
The privilege of watching music videos in our own home was beyond my dreams back then. I remember renting the VHS tapes because I could not afford to buy them. When the first themed video came out with title “Good Bye, Saigon!”, we watched and cried as a family. For the first time, documentary footage carefully curated and blended in with music was presented to a Vietnamese audience. Thuy Nga became a staple of our culture globally. The talent of Mr. To Van Lai and his wife, who had been involved in the music industry since the early 70’s, had touched our hearts.
Over the years, Thuy Nga has transformed from a music video production company to a media mogul. There are extravagant live shows in multiple continents. There are video productions sharing stories of entertainers. Newscast, audio books, online membership… Thuy Nga innovates and stays in touch with the community. I am so proud to see a Vietnamese company rise up and lead at the same level of sophistication as any media giant does in other countries.
Emily’s interview with Ms. Marie To
Every success has its story.
Marie told me her Dad decided to move from France to the US because he saw the opportunity to serve the “big” Vietnamese community, which was equivalent to an order of 500 musical cassettes tapes! She shared how she had helped the family run the business and continued holding the torch even when her Dad had passed, fulfilling his dream of having “fireside chats” with fellow Vietnamese countrymen through the magical musical journey. She recalled driving an old car without AC to go deliver packages amongst other entrepreneurial experiences. We laughed together because for most Vietnamese people coming to a new country, the hardships may have been very similar. Growing and leading Thuy Nga to continue for 40 years, Marie To has blazed her own trail as a cultural pioneer.
When I asked her if she would do it again, given the knowledge she has now of its challenges, she answered “Yes! Without hesitation!” She felt blessed that people all around the world know her and appreciate her family’s work. Although she is at the top of her business life, celebrating 40 years of entertainment production as a family company this year, she wonders what would be next. She believes in DESTINY, however, and shares that she will be “where the Lord wants her to be.”
When I inquired how Thuy Nga – Paris By Night will innovate, she poured out her heart. Instead of going for something new, she longs to preserve the timeless musical traditions, heritage, and identity of Viet Nam. She discussed continuing her journey to introduce more songs with new music mixes. I encouraged her to start a museum to tell her family’s story where people can come and admire all the memorabilia collected over the years. At the end of the interview, she said she dreamed of having a Thuy Nga cruise. I told her, “It’s a done deal!” because I have friends who have run cruises for almost two decades. We said goodbye in love and laughter. For the rest of that day, I counted my blessing of having the privilege to interview Marie To, the woman behind 40 years of history.
Mr. To Van Lai, Founder of Thuy Nga Paris
Ms. Marie To in Bangkok for the 40th anniversary of PBN
First Thuy Nga - Paris By Night
40th Year Thuy Nga - Paris By Night
Building Bridges In Global Markets and the Metaverse
by Lyllian Nguyen
I’ve learned that when opportunities come knocking, we must decide whether to open the door. Behind that door, we may find ourselves venturing into an unknown world. Grasping the who, what, when, why, and where for business evolution is no easy feat. It’s a journey that can be overwhelming to navigate and learn all at once.
However, organizations like VBI Global and VNARP are stepping up, connecting entrepreneurs with valuable resources and igniting collaborations across various fields. They shine a spotlight on Vietnamese leaders and partners, sharing their success stories not just globally but even in the Metaverse.
VBI Global President Vinh Nguyen shared his vision with the Vietnam Journal, encouraging businesses to stay steadfast in their global expansion efforts.
This year’s event more than doubled in size from the previous year, bringing in hundreds of exhibitors to foster collaborations and showcase their products and services at the VBI Global Conference and Expo in Houston, Texas. Attendees eagerly sought networking opportunities, exploring consumer goods such as teas and wellness products, along with services like FDA licensing and EB-5 immigrant investor programs.
This event brought the Vietnamese business community together to forge trusted collaborations for a prosperous future, while also serving as a hub for investors and experts, all amidst fabulous entertainment from 2023 The Voice contestant Rachele Nguyen and her father, Lex Nguyen.
One of the standout speakers at the event was Chris Le, known as the Crown Prince of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), who has sold his designer cybersneakers for upwards of $100,000. In our Viet Nam Journal interview, he shared his perspective with a cool and collected energy: “More than ever, we need to be unified. There was always a disconnect between us and the older generation. We have an opportunity to work on ourselves right now. So take all the wisdom and knowledge from our past and bring it into our art and everything we do with spirit and entrepreneurship,” says the young co-founder of RTFKT and
VBI Conference and Expo in Houston Texas. John Ngo - Founder of J&P Global, VBI President Vinh Nguyen, and Tina Nguyen Education & Training Committee Chair with Vietnam Journal
Chris Le shares his story of success becoming Crown Prince of NFT’s with Vietnam Journal
VBI engaging panel discussion with Lieu Nguyen, MC Cao Ky Duyen, Attorney Brandon Meyers, Attorney Michael Cao.
Senior Director of Design at Nike. “Growing up as VietnameseAmerican, we all come from some sort of trauma. Be awake, lose the ego, and understand the self. You will grow better as a person, and it bleeds into everything that you do. It’s okay to unlearn things.” I find it inspiring to see Vietnamese role models who are relevant to the next generation.
Scottie Nguyen, a new café owner in Big Bear, embraces a fresh perspective on sustainability and improving the quality of Vietnamese coffee. He co-founded La Viet Coffee with pure 100% Arabica beans and passionately shared, “Our product represents an entire chain of people: the growers, farmers, roasters, the barista, consumer, and us. The responsibility goes beyond being ordinary businessmen and women. We must be a voice for the voiceless. You don’t get to hear their stories.” I was proud to learn from Scottie that Vietnam has become the second-largest coffee producer and exporter in the world, second only to Brazil.
Many dream of expanding their real estate portfolios and diversifying assets internationally. The VNARP (Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professionals) leaders were present to answer any inquiries. Founding president Evan Huynh, CFO Paige Nguyen, and founding Houston chapter president Dan King were all on hand. Commercial real estate expert Trinh Wong, who recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a Springhill Suites by Marriott, shared her insights: “This was part of fulfilling a lifelong dream.”
Wong, who serves on the VBI leadership team as Marketing and Communication Committee Chair and is President of the Silicon Valley VNARP chapter, continues to raise the bar in elevating the real estate experience for all involved. More information can be found at VNARP.org.
In a recent development, VBI Global, VNARP, and KW Vietnam celebrated a successful MOU signing and announcement event on June 17, 2024. This milestone event, hosted by KW Vietnam, underscored ongoing efforts to create new opportunities and collaborations. The community is eagerly looking forward to the sold out Vietnam Business and Real Estate Conference in October 2024 in Vietnam.
The VBI Global Conference and Expo, along with the initiatives of organizations like VNARP, highlight the immense potential of the Vietnamese business community on a global scale. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and cultural pride, these events and associations not only promote individual success stories but also strengthen the collective economic impact of Vietnamese entrepreneurs worldwide.
As we embrace these opportunities and support one another, we pave the way for a future where Vietnamese voices and ventures continue to thrive and inspire across every industry and platform. The journey ahead is bright, and the door to success is wide open—it’s up to us to walk through it.
VBI Global, VNARP, and KW Vietnam celebrate a successful MOU signing and announcement event on June 17, 2024 in Vietnam
Attendees enjoy coffee sampling of La Viet Coffee
VNARP leaders: Evan Huynh, Paige Nguyen, Theresa Nguyen, Cindie Huynh, and Dan King with Vietnam Journal
Global Leadership: Business Insights Over 3 Decades
by Dr. Emily Letran
“The job of a leader today is not to create followers. It is to create more leaders.” Ralph Nader
I was born in war-torn Viet Nam in the late ‘60s. My parents were both philosophy teachers. I learned the value of knowledge and the respect for the truth from them, even if it meant being the contrarian. Today, more than four decades later, my dad’s students still share stories of him teaching ideas outside the approved book material. I recognized at a very young age the value and importance of having a strong opinion and being able to influence others from a position of authority.
When my mother passed away in her 30’s due to cancer, I was the big eight-year-old sister to my younger siblings, including my little cousins in our extended family. At school, I was “naturally” appointed as the class leader because of my good grades. As a young “leader,” I encouraged my friends to follow the rules and set examples
because we were one of the “model” classes for the whole school.
In 1981, when I was 13 years old, I left my father and two younger siblings to escape from Viet Nam with my aunt. That was the first time I realized that sometimes, you’d have to break the rules to achieve what you want. Our tiny little boat was at seas for seven days, and we ran out of food after the second day. We reached the refugee camp with everyone exhausted.
In the camp, I had the opportunity to witness the true spirit of humanity. Some of the refugees had survived severe trauma and hardship, yet were able to celebrate moments of joy with very few material possessions. Some saw the hard time of survival as a transition to a brighter future, though filled with uncertainty. However, most
Vietnamese leadership team had the privilege to meet The Dalai Lama
people regretted the journey, longing for the happier times of the past, and struggled with self-doubt.
Years later, I realized that in the face of challenges, we can either give in or face the challenge head on. When opportunity knocks, we must be ready to grab and leverage it. Being strategic in your thinking, mindset, and determination will set you apart from others around you. This is part of your development of a leader.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
African Proverb
A leader can only do so much on his or her own. In order to be successful, the leader should leverage the knowledge of experts and empower others to help.
I remember my earlier days as a business owner. Instead of trying to start everything from scratch, I studied the experts on growth in my dental space. I invested in “30-Day Dental MBA” by
Dr. Howard Farran. I read “The Profitable Dentist” newsletter by Dr. Woody Oaks. These resources helped expedite my learning because they taught the golden nuggets of business success.
My mentality was to make business easier, faster, and more fun. As I grew, I empowered my staff to grow also. I would invest in traveling for seminars as a whole team. We went to Vegas, Cancun,
Hawaii, and Alaska, learning, growing, and having fun together. The team leaders emerged as they saw my vision to grow business and enjoy life together. Creating leaders was the biggest “secret” in growing the business. You cannot grow until you have leaders who want to grow with you, to step up and “earn” more responsibility, and to cherish the milestones the business attains as well as what they achieve in their personal lives.
“If your actions inspire others to learn more, dream more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams
During the early days of my career, I invested in business, marketing, and personal development programs. I realized understanding business was key to creating the life I wanted.
The focus on personal growth and business systems helped me grow three successful dental group practices with very small, efficient staffs, leveraging the talents of associate doctors and specialists.
Instead of creating lots of rules, I set up guidelines and empowered the staff to grow with incentivized goals, based on business metrics. Employees grow when they feel appreciated, and they often enjoy being challenged at work instead of following regular routines. Rather than spending money on material things like fancy cars and expensive vacations, I invested in trainings for my teams. My staff knew they were expected to improve their performance with tracking goals. They received a “raise” as a bonus every year, not based on the industry norm of seniority, but based on great performances.
Photo From Refugee Camp 1981
Dr. Emily Letran, Quynh Nguyen,and Lyllian Nguyen representing The Los Angeles Tribune - Viet Nam Journal on the red carpet, Cannes Film Festival
Many years ago, I worked as an associate and made friends with several dental assistants. One of them, Jenny, really enjoyed working with me. Besides the daily work of general dentistry, we were both challenged every Friday—that was the day dedicated to children’s dentistry, when we might do sedation on young patients and efficiently complete full mouth treatments. I remember missing lunches on tthose kids’ days because we were expected to work straight through, taking care of patients who came in ready for sedation.
When I bought my first practice, I asked Jenny to come and help me. She stayed for many years, learning new skills including orthodontics, which is a specialty I required all my staff to learn. She moved on to manage a specialist office, started her family and had two children.
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
Ronald Reagan
One day, I got a call from her. “Dr Letran, I’m calling to let you know my husband and I just bought a house!”
“Congratulations!” I said. She continued, “You are the first person I am sharing this news with! I have not even told my mom.”
“I’m so grateful you’d do that for me. Why?”
I teared up as she told me. “I wanted to share this good news with you first because you always encouraged us to do more and achieve more for ourselves and our families. I am a better person because of you.”
Years later, I realized I have that gift – the gift to inspire and move people to action. When I coach my clients, I help them understand their goals very clearly and I have that “touch” to encourage them to step up and step into their own power.
Dr. Emily Letran and Lyllian Nguyen Reporting from Yes She Cannes Women Film Producers meeting in Cannes, France: Having a voice is important as a leader
Dr. Emily was interviewed and featured in Marketing Guru Dan Kennedy’s newest No B. S. book
Sometimes people claim a leadership position because they own a business or a title, but they are not true leaders.
Toxic leaders often have a large ego and are not open to criticism. They tend to talk more and listen less. They don’t like being questioned or held accountable. They make decisions without consulting others and think they are always right. The personality of a toxic leader does not care about what is best for the team; they only care about what is best for themselves and their reputation. People tend to have this mentality when they have not been part of like-minded communities of ambition and higher standards.
Global leadership is a calling.
I believe when your desire and passion present that calling for you to be a leader, you should answer it. You should ask for help, and the universe will present options for you. My journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a healthcare professional speaking on international stages and featured in Forbes was not an accident. It was the result of strategy, intention, expert guidance, and the desire to inspire and grow others as leaders.
“No
Andrew Carnegie
- Being Different Is A Strength
- Leveraging Brands As A Strategy
- Write , Speak, Serve and Sell
- Collaborative Leadership Is The Fastest Way To Success Are YOU An Authority In YOUR Global Market?
Meet Dr. Emily Letran DDS, MS, FICD, CHPC
- 30+ Years CEO and Clinical Dentist
- TEDx and International Speaker
- Business Strategist For Successful Entrepreneurs
- Author of Multiple Amazon Best Sellers
- Featured on Forbes, Dental Town and Documentaries
Speaking in Dubai
Vietnamese Films On The Global Stage
Friends in beautiful traditional ao dài in Cannes, France
Being involved in the film industry for just a short time has been an exhilarating and eye-opening experience. With a sense of curiosity and a touch of naivety, I embarked on this journey, not knowing what to expect. I’ve been fortunate to witness so many accomplishments within a year for Vietnamese cinema. Each moment was filled with new discoveries and invaluable lessons.
One of the highlights has been traveling the world with my role as Associate Producer of “A Fragile Flower,” the first Vietnamese movie filmed in the United States. This groundbreaking film, a collaboration between Vietnamese crew and actors from both the U.S. and Viet Nam, is inspired by the true story of a Vietnamese artist who sang her way into the hearts of the Vietnamese community. It features 15 songs sung by the talented Nhat Ha, adding an emotional and cultural depth that resonates with viewers. Although “A Fragile Flower” received mixed reviews, my involvement in the film opened up many doors and opportunities, allowing me to meet amazing people and gain a deep appreciation for the film industry.
My journey into filmmaking began as an investor, but my passion quickly led me to take on a more hands-on role. Working on “A Fragile Flower” has been life-changing, allowing me to meet countless creative individuals who are redefining Vietnamese cinema. These talented artists and filmmakers are eager to expand their work across multiple genres, bringing Vietnamese stories to the mainstream.
In Portland, Oregon, I was honored to host Director Mai Thu Huyền at the premiere of “A Fragile Flower.” Sharing the film with Portlanders before its worldwide release was a deeply gratifying experience. In collaboration with the local nonprofit OVACC (Oregon Vietnamese American Culture Center), the film drew in a diverse crowd to raise funds for a dual-language immersion program for Portland Public Schools. Over $20,000 was raised to help students travel to Viet Nam for research. For many students, watching “A Fragile Flower” was their first exposure to a Vietnamese film. They shared how the experience helped them better understand their parents’ love for music and appreciate the beauty of Vietnamese songs and storytelling.
The Cannes Film Festival brought us and other Vietnamese creatives together. The international market was the place for top-tier innovators, filmmakers, and industry experts to share their knowledge and connect. I watched the premiere of a short documentary about Vietnamese boat people called “The Book of Death,” produced by Jenny Ai Trinh and Alan Vo Ford. They collected stories of Vietnamese refugees and received blessings from Holiness Pope Francis for the humanitarian project. I was fortunate to join them on a pilgrimage to also receive the Dalai Lama’s blessing for the tragically departed to find peace. This was a very spiritual journey for me, allowing me to understand and connect deeply with many people in my Vietnamese community in terms of loss, sacrifice, strength, and reconciliation.
Additionally, in Cannes, I heard the exciting news about the first collaboration between India and Vietnam: a film called “Love in Vietnam.” This announcement made me hopeful that more countries will collaborate and take advantage of the beautiful scenery in Viet Nam. A Vietnamese film, “Việt and Nam,” directed by Trương Minh Quý, was listed for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, but I had missed the screening having to return to the US. Back home, seeing the cast grace the red carpet representing Vietnam was a wonderful moment of recognition for our people and a moment we can aspire towards.
Another exciting milestone was the simultaneous release of “Face Off 7: One Wish” on June 14 in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Canada. A movie series with a loyal
following directed by Lý Hải. I had the pleasure of meeting the film’s star, Trường Minh Cường, who portrays the eldest sibling of five in modern societal demands grappling with the challenges of caring for their aging mother. This widespread release underscores the global appeal and growing demand for Vietnamese films.
It follows the successful release of “Mai,” directed by Tran Thanh which set new records in worldwide revenue charts, showcasing the growing potential of Vietnamese cinema.
In my first ever visit to Viet Nam, I made it a point to watch “Mai” with my girlfriends in one of Viet Nam’s luxurious theaters, complete with blankets, slippers, lounge seats, and an array of snacks—a true cinematic experience. Now available on Netflix, “Mai” is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Vietnamese drama and cinema.
In Houston, Texas, I had the incredible opportunity to meet one of my idols, Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên. She shared her experiences starring as the wife of the general in “The Sympathizer,” an American production featuring Vietnamese actors in central roles. Directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Robert Downey Jr. and Sandra Oh, “The Sympathizer” is an HBO series based on a novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen. According to Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên, the filming spanned six months, starting in Hollywood in November and wrapping up in May in Thailand. She expressed her hope that audiences will support “The Sympathizer,” paving the way for Hollywood to produce more films and series
VDLI students give raving reviews
featuring diverse roles and scripts. “If more people watch and support, there will be more room to grow,” she emphasized.
“The Sympathizer” also stars Tien Pham, who has a recurring role as the Petulant Captain. As a guest panelist for the announcement of the Los Angeles Tribune Vietnam Journal and Podcast at Los Angeles’s flagship Barnes and Noble, he shared his insights with thousands of people tuning in via live stream worldwide. He shared his family’s refugee story and his early calling to the arts at a time when there were barely any Vietnamese actors. He spoke about his determination to excel, stating, “It’s not about being good at something, but being great at something. No matter how far you go or if you make it or not, I’d never have to wonder ‘what if.’”
He ended the night with a message of motivation and inspiration: “Even at the darkest of times, when it’s pouring, remember it can’t rain forever, and it can’t rain all the time. Keep going.”
This journey has been a whirlwind of experiences, emotions, and incredible achievements. From India, Cannes to Los Angeles to Portland, the future of Vietnamese cinema looks brighter than ever. Vietnamese films are now firmly on the global stage, and I am honored to be a part of this transformative era. I am excited to see what the next few years will bring and how much the industry will continue to grow and change.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting journey continues.
Guests and panelist at Books, Podcast & Entertainment with The Los Angeles Tribune
Panelists at Barnes and Noble LAT event
THE USS MIDWAY
– My Old Friend
by KV Nguyen, Entrepreneur, Author
After all these years I returned to visit my old friend - The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier! Its defiant grandeur was calling me back as if it wanted me to embark on an unsettling journey to the past. Just like an old general whose life is decorated with glorious medals and wartime achievements – the USS Midway has reigned over battles in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and participated in the liberation of Kuwait. With countless injuries and innumerable repairs, this old aircraft carrier is now decommissioned. She has been retired to San Diego Bay and now nests in the warm sunshine and soothing waters of southern California.
The USS Midway brings incredible nostalgia to my heart. I wish to sit down next to my old friend and ask her to tell me the stories from her past….. With her deep voice she slowly recalls one of the stories that I treasure the most - the story that had happened to me some 49 years ago this very month of April.
In January 1973, the US Government and the North Vietnamese Communists had signed a so-called “Vietnamization” Agreement in Paris. The infamous “Agreement” intended, in American eyes, to bring an honorable peace in Viet Nam – a cease-fire and a troop withdrawal. Most of the American troops, officers and office employees were to be replaced by the Vietnamese. A year before that I was lucky to be selected among 12 other young Vietnamese women who had to go through 10 months of business and government office procedures training. We were to become administrative assistants / executive secretaries. Most importantly, we needed to replace the American secretaries in all of the USAID executive offices.
By the end of 1973, I officially began to work for USAID and was assigned to a project called “Post War Economic Development”. I was extremely excited since I would be directly involved in the operations of re-building all the infrastructures of Vietnamroads, bridges, and highways, starting with the city of Da Nang, Central Vietnam.
I worked devotedly and energetically thinking that we were already at the end of the war. My beloved country, Vietnam, would have peace again after more than a half century of war. I was too naïve in believing that I would be a contributing factor to the efforts of rebuilding my country. I was in luck!
In 1975 the situation in Indochina began to change rapidly, started with the withdrawal of the American troops from Cambodia and Laos. In the first few months of 1975, we had witnessed the Cambodian people, in haste and in chaos, fleeing their country. We, the people of South Vietnam, felt badly for our neighbors but we also felt somewhat confident that the South Vietnamese troops still could still defend us, and the Americans would never betray us. Little did we know but in just a few months the South Vietnamese people would begin to experience the same fate. From Quang Tri, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon, Can Tho as well as in all other coastal cities, people were fleeing and abandoning their homes. The people of South Vietnam got sucked into the whirlwinds of chaos and fear of the Communists.
In the midst of February 1975, thousands and thousands had made their way from the northern most cities of South Vietnam to the central cities of Da Nang, Hue and Nha Trang. People clung on to the helicopters and boats and ferries in the rivers and in the oceans to come down to Saigon as well as to the southern most cities. The Viet Cong were coming! The enemy was coming!
The people in Saigon were in the same fear. Everyone was trying to find a way out of the country. My family found itself in the same situation. My brothers were in Army, Navy, and Air Force. Before 1954, my father had been in prison for several years and tortured by the North Vietnamese communists. In our family, he was the most worried and terrified. We also had to run - but where to?
Since I was an employee of the US Government, my family and I were on a list of those who would be evacuated by the Americans. We were told to wait for our time to leave. A few days earlier, we each prepared by packing a few bags and a little money. Some of my co-workers had already left the country. Those of us remaining were anxiously waiting - waiting for our time. At night, we could not sleep for fear that the South would collapse at any time, and that we would be left behind forever. At times in the middle of the night, I could hear deep sighs coming from my mother, my father, and my brothers and sisters. Everyone was silent yet troubled and worried. Those were the emotions of the known present and of the unknown future. Should we stay? Should we leave?
The morning of April 27th I returned to my office to wait for instructions and, hopefully, news of being evacuated. Most of the Americans had left the country.
A few Vietnamese employees and I remained behind to shred all “Classified” documents. At about 5:00 p.m. we suddenly heard a few loud noises. Something sounded like bombings. All of us became terrified. We ran down to the basement of the building and hid there for several hours. My girl friends and co-workers Chau thuan Anh and Pham thi My and an American officer, Mr. Ronald Pollock also hid with us. (Ron Pollock was a direct boss of my friend Trinh thi Phuong Dung who had left Viet Nam earlier that day)
Listening to the radio news we learned that the near-by Presidential Palace had been bombed. A 24-hour curfew was also declared and anyone found on the street without proper identifications and without duty papers would be shot. There would be no way for me to make it home that night.
At about midnight Ron urged us to go with him in his car to a nearby American complex where he lived. Since his car had a diplomat’s license plate, he hoped we could avoid security checks and get us safely to his compound. The streets were all very dark and there was no sign of disorder whatsoever! We continued in Ron’s car to his complex.
During the night we all went up to the complex roof top and witnessed the fall of Saigon. North Vietnamese rockets were firing every where. Fires and smoke were imprints on the dark sky. We could see the terrible scenes of a dying city. Several big fires
were spotted coming from the Tan Son Nhut Airbase where we were supposed to be taken for our evacuation. Tears welled in my eyes. I cried silently. The hope of escape for my family and for me had vanished. All I wanted at that moment was for the morning to come quickly so that I could find my way home.
Early the following morning Ron told us to wait for a few more hours since the curfew was still in effect. We all worried about our fate. We did not know what to do. I remember Ron had made a phone call to someone and then he told us the bad news. The situation was getting worse. Remember, he was one of the people left behind - just like us.
Patiently and slowly he told us to find our own way home. The other option was to once again get into his car with him and he would attempt to take us to one of the evacuation locations. Ron seemed confident that everything would be all right and
KV Nguyen revisited the USS Midway
that he could take us to a safe place. I also remembered seeing 4 other young women who perhaps had been there the night before. They must have also worked for the USAID Agency. I realized at that instant that our American boss was so very kind and unselfish. He was not a bit worried about himself. He was ready to take care of us - the Vietnamese young women who had no relationship with him.
All seven of us decided to go with Ron. My friend Chau thuan Anh was my age and Pham thi My was a few years older. I don’t remember names and ages of the other 4 young women. We all climbed into Ron’s car and he began to drive us to the main streets. Chaos, beyond our wildest imagination, was everywhere. People were running in every direction. Traffic was at its worst. Roads in all directions were blocked by barricades. No one seemed to observe the curfew.
Some people saw our diplomat’s car with an American driver. Several people angrily pointed at us and threw rocks, hitting the car. We were all frightened and nestled against each other. Ron continued to keep his calm as he managed to weave through the waves of mad people running for their lives.
We arrived at the US Embassy. There were several US Marines as well as helicopters on the rooftop. A few US Marines were on the walls of the closed gates. There were thousands of Vietnamese outside of the gate. People were screaming, hustling and crying. They all tried to push each other aside for the chance to get inside. I saw that some people were being hoisted by the Marines to get inside the gate.
“No chance for us,” Ron said. He decided to go to the next location. Where it was I can’t remember but the horror I shall never forget. There was a small building complex with a very small landing roof top that was just big enough for a small helicopter. A helicopter was already waiting. I could see a string of people climbing and pushing each other upward to get to the helicopter. Ron again decided to leave that place. Later on, when I read the newspapers, they had captured the picture of the exact scene that I had witnessed. That scene of desperation was repeatedly shown on TV, in history books and documentaries about the end of the war.
The third location was empty when we arrived. Ron said he believed the Americans must have abandoned the location. He did not know why. He then said that the only way out was to drive to Tan Son Nhut Airbase where all the rockets were being fired. We had to make our way to the US Defense Attache Office (DAO Compound). Ron tried to inch his way through the fleeing crowds.
As we got close to the Phi-Long Gate at the entrance to the Tan Son Nhut Airport, we were stopped by a Vietnamese soldier. The solder pointed his gun at Ron and angrily said in his broken English, “You American. You sold our country. We hate you!” I sobbed quietly. The soldier was right! The Americans had betrayed us. They had run away and abandoned us when we were so close to winning the war. Why? I could find no answer. My heart was full of rage and hatred.
To our surprise, Ron gently apologized to the soldier. The soldier refused to accept Ron’s apology and pushed the barricade tighter against us and completely blocked the entry into the airport. Fury lined the soldier’s face. Ron calmly made his U-turn and went a different way. He began to cross a rough and treacherous abandoned field. We went across the field under the firing rockets coming from all directions and through the burning fires. Some rockets hit close to us. As we got inside the airport, we saw destruction and chaos everywhere. There were several abandoned jeeps, trucks, cars, and motorcycles on the streets. Some were still on fire. Some got hit by rockets and were turned upside down. A few soldiers and pilots were running to their planes. I did not know why, but I did not feel any fear at all. It was as if I was in a dream -- and this bad dream would go away when – and if -- I woke up.
We finally arrived at the US DAO Compound. There were so many Chinook helicopters bringing hundreds US Marines to this location. This must be a major evacuation spot. We were safe! We were almost out of here!
Ron and all of us got out of the car. The rockets were still firing not too far from us. We jumped into a shallow ditch near the gate trying to shield ourselves. I saw several young Marines holding their guns, running about. Some got behind the gate. Some jumped into the same ditch with us. They were all yelling at us and at each other. I saw a very young Marine who had wet his pants in fear – but he was still yelling and screaming like a trained soldier.
It seemed like a long time before the rockets would quiet down a little bit and we were ordered to run to the gate of the DAO Compound as fast as possible. We all ran behind a young Marine who took us inside. At that time I realized there were already hundreds or thousands of people already there. There were all sorts of nationalities – American, French, British, German, Korean, etc. All had come in with their families. There were a lot of Vietnamese, too. People had lined up in good order for what seemed like a mile. The Marines surrounded us as if to protect us. I saw hundreds of people’s belongings, luggage, and cameras all abandoned. The Marines did not want the helicopters to carry too much weight. I had nothing to leave behind. All I had was the traditional Vietnamese dress (ao-dai) that I had put on the day before.
Finally, my friends and I were allowed to get onto the Chinook -- along with at least fifty more people. All of us had to sit on the floor. I was stricken with grief. I did not say a word to my friends since I new everyone was burdened with the same sadness.
After half an hour of flying over the ocean I saw a gigantic ship in the distance. As the Chinook got closer, Ron told us that giant ship was the USS Midway. We landed on the middle of flight deck. Ron had told us that the Midway belonged to the Seventh Fleet and had been commissioned to support the evacuation. The Midway and other aircraft carriers had waited in the Pacific Ocean outside of the Vietnam coast for several days. Later I learned that this was called “Operation Frequent Wind”.
As soon as we landed, I noticed hundreds of people, now evacuees, had arrived before us. The scene was chaotic but not as hectic as the one at the US Embassy that we saw earlier that day. Hundreds of Marines kept everyone in order. We stood there for a long time waiting to be processed through and to be transferred to another cargo ship – at least that was what we were told. For a moment, Ron disappeared. When he returned, he told us that he would like us to help the Midway Navy officers with the evacuation processing. Since these officers did not know Vietnamese, they couldn’t pronounce our names and such and would get frustrated. We agreed and started working immediately.
A row of processing tables had been set up by the side in the hangar bay. We sat by the US officers. Our work was simply to write the name of each evacuee on a name tag and put it on their chest. We also copied their names into the registration book for the Midway records. At one point, the officers noticed that we were all hungry and thirsty. They brought us some
canned foods and sodas. We continued to work until dark.
That night I realized that Ron had refused to be transferred by another helicopter to the Philippines. He had decided to stay with us and become one of the evacuees who also fled the country full of destruction and a war full of betrayal.
At midnight all of us were exhausted. An officer was ordered to show us our sleeping quarters. We went up and down, out and about, and through the narrow corridors of the Midway carrier. Finally we reached a place that looked like a reception room. I noticed the room was beautifully carpeted and decorated with nice furniture like a fine living room. This was the Admiral’s quarters! Dumbfounded with shock, we stood for several minutes until a middle-aged officer came in and approached us. He shook our hands and introduced himself to us and Ron. We learned that this officer – and gentleman – was the Commander himself. (I wish I could remember his name.) He told us to take it easy and offered us his bedroom for the night. We shyly refused and asked if we could just use the living room sofas. That was our first taste of American hospitality.
After more than 30 hours of agonizing and nerve-racking ordeal, we were all exhausted. We were all so grateful for this
sanctuary aboard the Midway. My heart filled with gratitude and admiration for Ron and all his gentleness and kindness.
The evacuation went on all night. The next morning it seemed there were more evacuees than the day before. Later that day, some of the evacuees told us that a coalition government had been established. Tran Van Huong and General Duong van Minh of South Vietnam would lead the reconciliation talks with the North Vietnamese Communists. I didn’t care. All I wanted was to find my family. I had hoped that my family would find a way to get evacuated and join us later. I kept those hopes alive for years. Every time I met some who knew them, I would always ask - but there was no sign of them. Some soldiers kindly gave me their addresses in the United States in the hope that maybe they could help me find them later.
The next morning Ron told us to finish our breakfast quickly. He then took us back to the hangar to continue our work. We found out that the evacuees we had processed the day before were already taken onto other Seventh Fleet vessels to make room for the flow of additional refugees. That day we worked non-stop to process the crowds of refugees. They were relieved to have found safety, even if they had lost their home. Exhausted and hungry, they were all fed before being transferred to another vessel.
USS Midway underway in the Pacific, April 1971
We spent another night in the Commander’s quarters. Ron woke us up early the following morning and told us to get ready for another day at work. As we ate breakfast, we watched a large closedcircuit TV. To our astonishment, we saw hundreds of choppers being flown by Vietnamese pilots on the horizon and heading toward the Midway. One by one they landed. Sirens screamed as the crewmen frantically pushed aside a few aircraft on the flight-deck. On the TV screen we saw dozens of crewmen and Marines running towards these choppers to help the pilots and their families. Anxiety, hysteria and sorrow filled their faces. As soon as a chopper landed and the passengers jumped off, another group of crewmen would run up to the chopper and push the chopper aside to make room for another one coming in. In front of our eyes these choppers herded like dragonflies, all swarming on the Midway at the same time. A fourseated CESSNA attempted to land. The Midway refused to allow it as there were too many planes on deck and too little room to maneuver. Left with no choice, the pilot ditched his plane into the ocean.
Crewmen lowered a boat and pulled the Vietnamese pilot and his family from the water. Later on, all the Vietnamese helicopters were dumped into the ocean. Those who had made it to the ship could no longer leave.
That day was April 30, 1975. We saw only Vietnamese pilots and their choppers arrive with their families. They also told me that the new coalition government had been forced to surrender to the North Vietnamese Army, and Saigon was in the tornado of chaos, and everything was total madness.
I did not remember what time we went to lunch. U.S, sailors and crewmen filled the canteen everywhere. Again we watched closed circuit TV and again we could see more Vietnamese choppers coming. Again, the pilots were beat-up and stressed out. Gone were the glorious days of the flying eagles! The tears in their eyes revealed their broken spirits.
Suddenly the sirens blared, and the loudspeaker frantically announced another emergency on the flight deck.
The heroic touch-down
A South Vietnamese helicopter getting pushed overboard.
Refugees arrived on the USS Midway on the last 2 days of April, 1975
Another plane was approaching the Carrier, and there was no room. Landing had been denied. The plane, no bigger than the Cessna of the day before, paid no attention. The plane passed over a few times and signaled its intent land. The Vietnamese pilot had his wife and children with him and he did not want to ditch the plane knowing that they would all drown in the water.
The situation grew tense. Finally, the flight crews cleared the deck. People rushed to the area and prepared for the worst that could happen. After a couple of harrowing missed attempts, the pilot landed his plane in the exact spot that had been reserved for him. He then slowed his plane and came to a complete stop just yards from the control tower. Cheers went up and a loud applause exploded across the ship. Several crewmen ran to the plane and opened the door. The Vietnamese pilot gently lift his wife and children off the plane and all were safe and sound. People rushed up and took pictures while crewmen excitedly shook the pilot’s hand. The Navy Commander greeted him as if he was a hero of World War II.
I had forgotten that I was a refugee. I laughed and cheered as if I was the one who had just escaped death.
We all went back to work. In the afternoon only a few helicopters arrived. An officer invited us to have a grand tour of the Midway. We went to several decks and the front and back of the carrier. The ship was so grand, a virtual airbase in operation. I saw several cars driving around on the hangar. We were shown sleeping quarters, workrooms, and recreation rooms. All the mattresses were piled on top of each other in countless aisles. Finally, the officer took us to a large area at the back of the hangar. A new helicopter was parked alone and roped off.
I did not understand why this helicopter was shown to us. As we got closer, the officer then told us that this was one of the first helicopters that had landed the day before. The pilot of this helicopter was none other than General Nguyen Cao Ky, the ex -Vice President of South Vietnam. Later on I learned that this helicopter sometime back had been given to Ky by no less than U.S. President Gerald Ford.
That night, our third night on the water, the Commander joined us for dinner. He gave each of us a Zippo lighter that had been engraved with an image of the USS Midway. He also gave us letters of appreciation and commendation. To this day, I kept these two treasures, cherished mementos of my days of escape. The escape that has changed my life forever!
Later that night, all eight of us boarded the last helicopter. We were leaving. Mixed emotions filled my heart as the helicopter took off, slowly leaving the USS Midway and all its memories. These memories of a mere 2 days I could never have imagined. I did not mind. I felt like I was a little leaf that was drifting along, with the wind carrying me away to wherever it wanted. That month of April 1975 I had just turned 24!
Where in the world is
LAT - VIET NAM?
Dharmsala, India
Salem, Oregon
Cannes, France
Los Angeles, California
Gresham, Oregon
Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Escondido, California
Las Vegas, Nevada
Tigard, Oregon
Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Monaco
Santa Ana , California
Houston, Texas
Portland, Oregon
Denver, Colorado
Beverly Hills, California
Thúy Nga : Hành Trình Và Kỷ Niệm
Giáo Sư Tô Văn Lai
WLIN GlobalNâng Tầm Hình Ảnh Phụ
Nữ Việt Thời Đại Mới
Huyền Trang, Tổng thư ký WLIN Miền Bắc - Media Director
WLIN là tên viết tắt của Women Leader International Networking - Mạng lưới kết nối những Nữ lãnh đạo – Doanh nhân của Việt Nam và Quốc tế đang điều hành doanh nghiệp, hoặc có những mục tiêu phát triển sự nghiệp riêng.
Mạng lưới Nữ lãnh đạo Quốc tế - WLIN
Global là tổ chức được sáng lập bởi Tiến sĩ – Á hậu Quý bà Thế giới Nguyễn Thu Hương – TGĐ Nam Hương Media Group vào năm 2013, mang đến môi trường kết nối giao lưu, tìm kiếm cơ hội hợp tác, phát triển kinh doanh và mở rộng quan hệ trên toàn cầu dành cho phụ nữ. Với sứ mệnh kiến tạo cộng đồng phụ nữ tiến bộ, ngày càng “Khoẻ đẹp hơn – Thành công hơn – Hạnh phúc hơn”, WLIN Global đã trở thành sân chơi giúp phụ nữ xây dựng được thương hiệu, chỗ đứng của mình trong xã hội thông qua việc phát triển, điều hành doanh nghiệp hiệu quả và có đóng góp tích cực cho xã hội.
Các thành viên WLIN Việt Nam tại một sự kiện kết nối kinh doanh thường kỳ
Nguyễn Thu Hương – Chủ tịch sáng lập Mạng lưới WLIN Global sinh năm 1979 tại Hà Nội. Cô đoạt giải Hoa khôi Thể thao 1995, từng làm diễn viên, MC, trước khi ngừng hoạt động nghệ thuật để theo đuổi sự nghiệp kinh doanh. Năm 2011, Nguyễn Thu Hương thi Mrs World – Hoa hậu quý bà thế giới tại Mỹ và đoạt giải Á hậu. Chính sau cuộc thi đó, với những kết nối xuyên biên giới cùng hoạt động kinh doanh truyền thông của mình, ý tưởng về một mạng lưới dành riêng cho các nữ lãnh đạo đã được cô khởi xướng và kêu gọi thành lập cùng các nữ lãnh đạo đến từ các quốc gia khác nhau. Hiện tại, WLIN Global đã và đang hoạt động chính tại Việt Nam, bên cạnh đó còn phát triển và mở rộng tại Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thái Lan, Kenya, Mỹ, Canada, Solvakia, Vương quốc Anh,…
Trải qua gần 10 năm hoạt động và phát triển, WLIN Global đã trở thành một cộng đồng chất lượng với những hoạt động kết nối kinh doanh dành cho hơn 1000 thành viên trên toàn cầu cùng những sự kiện thường niên như Women Leader Forum – Vinh danh các nữ lãnh đạo Châu Á – Thái Bình Dương, Top 100 Nữ lãnh đạo Việt Nam toả sáng toàn cầu (2022), Quyền năng phái đẹp,… mang đến hình ảnh phụ nữ Việt thời đại mới luôn tự tin, tài năng và thành công trong sự nghiệp riêng của mình.
Khi trở thành thành viên của Mạng lưới nữ lãnh đạo toàn cầu, các thành viên có cơ hội phát triển các mối quan hệ kinh doanh thông qua các hoạt động marketing chéo trong mạng lưới; xây dựng uy tín và thương hiệu cá nhân từ chính sự hiện diện và tương tác tại các sự kiện, chương trình của Mạng lưới. Đặc biệt,
Lunch – kết nối kinh doanh thông qua hoạt động ăn trưa cùng nhau, các thành viên có cơ hội học hỏi, phát triển bản thân liên tục cùng những đóng góp tích cực cho cộng đồng thông qua các hoạt động chia sẻ kiến thức, kinh nghiệm trong kinh doanh, xây dựng hạnh phúc gia đình, hoạt động cộng đồng.
WLIN Global là mạng lưới hướng đến sự kết nối, phát triển cơ hội kinh doanh cho doanh nghiệp và mang lại những lợi ích tốt đẹp cho cộng đồng. Chính vì thế, WLIN có những tiêu chí để kết nối và chào đón những thành viên uy tín, phù hợp với sứ mệnh phát triển và chung tay thực hiện những mục tiêu đặt ra. Các thành viên của WLIN Global cần đáp ứng các tiêu chí: 1/Là chủ doanh nghiệp hoặc lãnh đạo quản lý cấp trung trở lên; 2/ Là người có công việc kinh doanh phù hợp với sự phát triển của mạng lưới; 3/ Là người tuân thủ pháp luật, đạo đức; 4/Có trái tim hướng tới cộng đồng và yêu thích hoạt động cộng đồng; 5/Có khả năng sắp xếp thời gian và phát triển mạng lưới.
Đặc biệt, năm 2023, bộ phim Đoá hoa mong manh do Đạo diễn, nhà sản xuất Mai Thu Huyền thực hiện đã nhận được sự hưởng ứng, tham gia đầu tư của chính các thành viên trong mạng lưới WLIN Passion USA+ tại Mỹ. Bộ phim không chỉ quảng bá hình ảnh, văn hoá Việt mà đây còn là minh chứng rõ nét cho giá trị kết nối của mạng lưới WLIN trên toàn cầu. Hiện nay, bộ phim đã được công chiếu tại các rạp ở Mỹ, Pháp, Đức, Ấn Độ, Việt Nam thông qua sự kết nối, chia sẻ và lan toả của các thành viên trong mạng lưới.
Với mong muốn không ngừng phát triển và nâng tầm hình ảnh phụ nữ Việt trên toàn cầu, WLIN Global tiếp tục hành trình chia sẻ và mở rộng hoạt động của mình thông qua các hoạt động offline và online trên nền tảng Zoom để kết nối không biên giới với các nữ lãnh đạo Việt trên toàn cầu.
