Hello all and welcome to the new issue of the Los Angeles Tribune – Viet Nam Journal!
We are so grateful for the wonderful reception of our inaugural issue, which was read across 6 continents as soon as it was launched. The compliments and congratulations were heartwarming, and we are all blessed to be able to serve our global community.
In this issue, we highlight several events that commemorate milestones in the rich history of Viet Nam.
We celebrate the 100 th Birthday of President Jimmy Carter, who signed the law that allowed Vietnamese refugees into the United States in 1980, and the Los Angeles Tribune declares October 1 st as “Jimmy Carter Day,” dedicated to Unity and Service.
We congratulate a nonprofit very near and dear to my heart, SAP-VN. My friend is a cofounder, and the organization has served the disadvantaged and less fortunate for more than three decades.
Our journal aims to connect Vietnamese people all over the world, publishing stories of humanity and business success worldwide. We appreciate all the positive feedback for the work we have done and hope to have your support for all the projects to come.
Enjoy this issue and best wishes! All rights reserved 2024. The Views and opinions stated in this publication are those of the writers and do not represent those of LA Tribune - Viet Nam Journal. Replication of this content without prior permission from the authors is prohibited
Dr. Emily Letran
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
On October 1st, 2024, President Carter turned 100 years old. He was the president who signed the law allowing refugees into this country.
In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, it became clear there needed to be a change in American policy concerning refugees. After the fall of Saigon, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people fled the political chaos of their homeland.
Between 1975 and 1979, Presidential action enabled 300,000 refugees to come to the United States. Before then, the law restricted refugee admissions. As a result, many members of Congress wanted to establish a more regular system of immigration and resettlement with a more flexible policy.
It raised the annual ceiling for refugees from 17,400 to 50,000; created a process for reviewing and adjusting the refugee ceiling to meet emergencies; and required annual consultation between Congress and the President. This law changed everything for the Vietnamese refugees. We had the opportunity to come to a country that celebrates freedom and diversity.
The Refugee Act of 1980— approved by the Senate in late 1979 and signed into law by President Carter in early 1980—amended the earlier Immigration and Nationality Act and the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act.
The Refugee Act of 1980
The Refugee Act of 1980
I was one of the refugees who came to the US in August 1981. We received welfare and food stamps every month, and my aunt worked night jobs to supplement our income. Overcoming those challenges from then, to now owning several multi-specialty dental practices and raising kids who are business professionals, would not have been possible without that law back in 1980. So, when the opportunity came to visit the Carter Presidential Library in celebration of his 100th Birthday, I dropped everything in my schedule and joined a group of delegates to go to Atlanta. We flew in from several states, each having our own “boat people” story, and all came with immense gratitude for President Carter and the freedom that this country offers.
The library is beautiful, from the flowers at the gate, to the water pond at the front door, to the meticulous details of the interior design that chronologically depicted his life and work. There was a whole room showcasing 100 portraits of the President to celebrate his 100th birthday.
We reached a large room with a wall depicting “Healing From Viet Nam.” Black and white photos of American soldiers “Wading through the war in Viet Nam” and students “protesting for peace in Washington” reminded us of a time when the nation was divided. In front of this wall, the Vietnamese delegates expressed our heartfelt gratitude and presented several gifts:
A silver coin dated in 1979 and gifts blessed by the Dalai Lama from 3L TV – Love Life Learning Foundation, Orange County, CA, hand-delivered by Jenny Ai Trinh Thai and Alan Vo Ford.
Thank You Plaque for President’s 100th Birthday
A hand-made refugee wooden boat and “Thank You” plaque from Viet Museum, San Jose, CA, hand-delivered by Tana Thai Ha.
A declaration for October 1st to be “Jimmy Carter’s Day,” celebrating Service and Unity, from the Los Angeles Tribune, hand-delivered by Dr. Emily Letran, Global Director of Los Angeles Tribune International Journals.
The love and gratitude could be felt throughout the room. I was so blessed to be able to honor such a great President. He was born a humble man, grew up to serve his country in the navy, brought diversity to the White House, and opened the doors for the refugees to come into the country and be part of this great nation.
As we departed the library to return home, we felt so much pride. We did not let the President down. As a leader giving us new freedoms, he must be glad that we cherished our opportunities and strived to grow as a community. The Vietnamese Americans are an integral part of the American fabric, and we pledge to keep this country strong as a leader of the free world.
A NEW ERA OF COLLABORATION WITH HOLLYWOOD THE REEL WORLD EXPERIENCE OF VIET NAM
By Lyllian Nguyen
The world is about to experience Viet Nam like never before. Celebrations in Hollywood, themed “Destination Viet Nam,” marked by Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and promises of creative support, signal a new chapter in Viet Nam’s integration into global cinema. Key players, including the Viet Nam Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Viet Nam Cinema Association, Georges Chamchoum (founder of the Asian World Film Festival), and industry giants like VietJet Airlines, Vietnam airlines, VinPearl, and VinFast, successfully brought together hundreds of filmmakers and industry leaders. This event underscored Viet Nam’s eagerness to collaborate with Hollywood and showcase its culture, stunning scenery, and untapped production potential.
The signing of MOUs in Hollywood represents a strategic partnership positioning Viet Nam as a prime film destination. The collaboration aims to attract filmmakers by offering incentives and production support, while promoting Viet Nam’s tourism by featuring breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and warm hospitality.
Mr Do Linh Hung Tu signing MOU with Asian World Film Festival Founder, Georges Chamchoum. Also in photo: Mr Ho An Phong and Mr Nguyen Trung Khanh with Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
Experienced film makers shared their thoughts: “Viet Nam has an incredibly cooperative government and gifted film crews,” noted Phillip Noyce, director of The Quiet American and Irreparable Harm.
Joel Rice, producer of A Tourist’s Guide to Love—the first North American film shot entirely in Viet Nam—praised the local team’s creativity. He described a moment when the crew spontaneously built traditional paper boats for a scene, capturing a beautiful, unscripted moment that added authenticity to the film. I recalled the scene and remembered Scott Ly’s sweet and tender performance as the romantic lead.
Justin Booth, a filmmaker with experience in over 40 countries, highlighted the dedication of local crews: “Everybody worked hard to accommodate whatever we needed.”
Some of my favorite past productions filmed in Viet Nam include Kong: Skull Island, Pan, and even episodes of Star Wars: The Mandalorian. I was surprised by how many iconic films had already taken advantage of Viet Nam’s stunning locations. Now, I’m eager to rewatch and spot settings like Da Lat, Ha Long Bay, and Son Doong Cave.
Filmmakers consistently praised the adaptability and problem-solving skills of the Vietnamese crews. As one industry leader said: “You come for the location, but you stay for the people.”
As a Vietnamese-American, I’m particularly excited about how these collaborations could reconnect the diaspora with their heritage. With 2025 marking 50 years since the end of the Viet Nam War, many first-generation Vietnamese-Americans are eager to rediscover their parents’ homeland. Viet Nam is not only a country with deep historical significance but one that is rapidly evolving, healing, and embracing peace.
Event Master of Ceremonies and director of The Empathizer, Fred Le, and I share a curiosity: Why are overseas Vietnamese returning in waves to the land their families left? My visit to Viet Nam earlier this year filled me with unexpected emotion when I heard “Hello Viet Nam” play in the airline cabin upon landing. The power of film can open hearts and minds to these deep connections to places beyond spiritual and physical reach.
Friend Julia Babcock and I eagerly greet Scott Ly one of the first iconic actors in bilateral US-VN film collaborations.
Moderator and producer of Kong, Nicholas Simon with panel experts
In addition to my excitement about Viet Nam’s cinematic potential, I am personally invested in amplifying Vietnamese talent and sharing our culture as executive producer of The Phab 5 Go to Salem documentary and as associate producer of A Fragile Flower movie. I’m grateful to learn from multi-talented director, producer, and actress Mai Thu Huyen, who has been traveling internationally to promote and advance Vietnamese cinema on the global stage. I’m proud of the joint efforts and honored to be part of the progress.
Deputy Minister Ho An Phong of the Viet Nam Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism encouraged filmmakers to explore Viet Nam now, before it becomes one of the world’s most sought-after film destinations. With promises of engaged provincial support, potential fast-track tax exemptions, streamlined permits, location and technical support, and high-end accommodations, Viet Nam is poised for a bright future in filmmaking.
Just when I thought the celebration couldn’t get any better, I was invited to join the Vietnamese delegation on a morning tour of Warner Brothers, home to the iconic Friends sitcom and Barbie, WB’s highest-grossing film of 2023. It was another unforgettable day, filled with photos and gift exchanges with my new friends, including H’Hen Niê, Miss Universe Viet Nam. She is strikingly beautiful and a symbol of women’s empowerment and superfan of Wonder Woman. Throughout the day, discussions buzzed with excitement about Viet Nam’s future in cinema, which is set to captivate international filmmakers and audiences alike.
Mr Ho An Phong posing on Harry Potter set
New Friendships formed during Warner Brothers studio
As many say, the journey is just as special as the destination
Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations on the horizon, and here’s to the bright future of Viet Nam in global cinema!
I am honored to have participated in this groundbreaking Destination Viet Nam event, and I look forward to continuing to share Viet Nam’s stories and cultural contributions through the Los Angeles Tribune Viet Nam Journal.
We all have superpowers
Miss Universe Vietnam H’hen Nie cosplayed as Wonder Woman at opening premiere in Vietnam 2020.
REFLECTING ON THE PAST AND CHANGING THE FUTURE
Dr. Emily Letran
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; You can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow con nect in your future.”
The Vietnamese people have a rich history with many “dots” to connect, especially the younger generation born in the US and beyond our motherland of Viet Nam. They have the unique opportunity to learn the past and connect it to a future that they are creating and changing.
In August 2024, I had the privilege of attending a historical event.
The Vietnamese Heritage Museum in Orange County hosted an exhibition showcasing artifacts from two major historical events:
The division of the country into North and South Viet Nam and the Great Migration of about a million Northerners to the South from 1954 to 1955.
This displacement and resettlement occurred again when a second wave of migration happened after the fall of Saigon. I couldn’t distinguish the photos of the exodus from the 2 periods – history repeated itself!
Life magazine images of the wartour
London News and the Viet Nam war
One of the unique things about attending live events is meeting very special people. I had the honor of meeting Mrs. Tuyet Nguyen, who gifted the museum a black bronze pot that had been in her family for more than 100 years. The pot was in the family after both migrations from North to South Viet Nam and overseas in 1975.
Mr. Tuong Vu, the Founding Director of the US - Viet Nam Research Center in Oregon and a Political Science professor at the University of Oregon, shared his re-search and education on the Vietnamese history and politics. He published several books and organized several conferences to discuss turning points and other major events from Vietnamese history. His advice for young people is to learn more about our history because it will help one better understand themself and grow the community.
Mr. Chau Thuy, the Founder of the Vietnamese Heritage Museum in Orange County, CA, told me his drive is to preserve history. He was very proud to showcase the biggest collection of documents and photographs on the land reform in North Viet Nam after the Viet Minh took over and the Exodus of 1954 - the Great Migration from North to South Viet Nam. Chau Thuy mentioned there are a lot of young Vietnamese people who’ve visited the museum but have no idea why and how their parents ended up in America. In 2025, most high school students in Orange County will need to take at least one class about Vietnamese History in order to graduate, thus “bringing the museum into the classroom.” He would love to have your help in securing a larger space to exhibit more than 20000 artifacts and 60000 books and documents. Please visit www.vietnamesemuseum.org to support this noble cause.
Bronze pot as an antique that survived two Vietnamese exodus
Chau Thuy
Ms. Tuyet Nguyen preserved the bronze pot in her family
Professor Tuong Vu
Texas Tech Assistant Research Professor Alex Thai Vo does research on the history of Viet Nam and was a co-organizer of the event. The drive behind his work is “having a voice.” Since he came to the US at the age of 8, he felt the dominant portrayal of Vietnamese history and people is sometimes misrepresented.
“I want to write my own history and my parents’ history,” he exclaimed. History is a “painting,” and everyone can contribute to the painting. “Our young people should not detach themselves just because it is about the past.” Professor Vo feels privileged to live in the US and be able to write history in the most honest way, helping young people understand our story today.
In September 2024, the Viet Museum in San Jose hosted an event showcasing 2 documentaries about “Quang Tri Citadel” and “Book of Death.”
In a room filled with dignitaries and community leaders, we watched footage of fiery battles from the past, but they could have been from the present because of what news is reported all over the world today.
Mr. Cao Hong, the Director of the Viet Museum and a boat refugee from 1980, wants young people to understand exactly what happened in Vietnamese history from actual documentary footage preserved over the last 50 years. Alongside him, Tana Thai Ha, a champion of community services and charity, also shared her journey as a boat person. When she receives doubts from people about her fundraising efforts, she shares that her trips to Viet Nam visiting orphanages and disabled veterans give her the strength and courage to overcome these challenges. Influencers such as Juliane Thu Suong Vuong, the Founder of the Miss and Mrs. Viet Nam Pageant, was also at the event showcasing beautiful “ao dai.” Vuong came to the US at 8 years old and wants to keep the language and traditional dress of her Vietnamese heritage alive. She creates events and opportunities so women can wear lovely dresses.
The pageant is friendly competition and encourages organizations to do more community work..
The event at the Viet Museum was a beautiful blend of old and young, and you can visit this unique museum on Vietnamese boat people at www.VietMuseum.com
“Sometimes, your only available transportation is a leap of faith.”
- Margaret Shepard
In the years following the government change from the Communist regime, millions of Vietnamese people took a leap of faith and escaped the country. People walked through forests to get to Thailand. Small boats sailed on treacherous seas, dealing with Mother Nature and pirates, to reach countries supporting us with makeshift refugee camps. I was on one of those boats, surviving seven days at seas with little food and sips of water. When I learned about the documentary project that Jenny Thai and Alan Vo Ford were producing, I became a producer to support the project.
Professor Alex Vo
“The Book of Death” recounts refugee stories surviving danger and enduring suffering, clinging onto hope and faith. The book has been blessed by the Pope and the Dalai Lama. Every Vietnamese refugee will see himself or herself in this documentary, enacted by ordinary refugees. It was our choice to take a leap of faith and be part of this historical exodus. It is our responsibility to remember our roots and share those pages of history, albeit painful, with the world and our next generations.
My childhood friend, Tien Dung Do, who came to the US with her family as political refugees, felt “emotional and overwhelmed with the hardships” the boat people went through as she watched the documentary. With teary eyes from both of us, I thanked her for the services herfather had provided as a former military officer, and she thanked the film crew for sharing and reminding
These events, even in different locations and with different attendees, all signify the heart of the Vietnamese people.
We are connecting the dots of our lives, remembering our past, celebrating our heritage, and looking forward to creating a better future.
With Producers of “ Book of Death” Jenny Ai Trinh Thai and Alan Vo Ford
Mr. Cao Hong
Group photo with Alan Vo Ford, Jenny Thai, Tien Dung Do, and Juliane Vuong
Juliane Thu Suong Vuong
Tana Thai Ha
THE USS BAINBRIDGE CGN
– 25
In September, I had the honor of lecturing in a breakout room at Dentsply - Sirona World, an outstanding conference attracting thousands of dentists every year. As usual, I shared a bit about my story as a refugee. At the end of the session, a young dentist came up to me and described a very touching story of his wife’s family escaping at seas seeking freedom.
What follows here is the story of how he helped his wife’s uncle found the soldier and the boat that helped save lives at seas. This was a facebook post from Dr. Ryan Gustafson.
Normally on Veteran’s Day, I thank my friends and family that have served in the military. Today, I want to recognize a man I have never met, OSC Stites, and the Crew of the USS Bainbridge.
For the last ten years, every Thanksgiving I have had dinner at Jess’ grandmother’s house. Amongst all the family, I have heard many versions of their perilous escape from Vietnam in the late 70’s. Last year was different.
Jess’ Grandfather, her mother (in her teens) and several of her aunts and uncle escaped the Vietcong on one of the last boats out of Vietnam. They described the fishing boat they were on as filled to the gills, out of food and on a seemingly endless journey to Malaysia when they were happened upon by a U.S. Navy vessel.
Jess’ Uncle Tim unboxed a hat that one of the sailors gave to him over 40 years ago. He asked if I could find any more information about the boat.
I turned the hat over to find the sailor’s name, OSC Stites. Knowing the approximate timeline, sitting at the couch I found an electronic version yearbook from the “Sea Tour USS Bainbridge 1977-1978.” Within a few pages, I found a picture of an OSC Stites. While the family was recollecting their journey, I asked them to describe the boat and I got chills when I turned the page to the picture below. Aunties described the boat and I showed them my screen...”Did it look anything like this?” Instantly, there was a whirl of emotion in the room, tears, anguish, joy. One auntie said “That’s my dad, and there’s Grace! (Jess’s Mom), and there’s the uncle, wearing the hat!”
Having lost everything, this is the earliest picture of Jess’s family remaining.
I reached out to the remaining crew to thank them and found the rest of the story.
Their boat was adrift in the South China Sea, heading towards the coral reefs on the east side of the Philippines and heading for certain shipwreck, hundreds of miles in the wrong direction from Malaysia. Being a Nuclear vessel, the USS Bainbridge, could not accept refugees aboard. Instead, the crew came aboard the fishing boat, fixed the engine, filled the fuel, tended to the sick and supplied food and water, even candy, gave them an updated map and compass and escorted them in the right direction for a half a day. At they departed, the crew of the Bainbridge tossed hats and souvenirs, including the hat my Uncle still has.
The sailors and Navy’s small token of humanity is a drop in the bucket compared to what the refugees went through. But, on the other hand, those small actions were the difference between 150+ souls dying at sea versus all of them safely becoming refugees in Malaysia, Jess’ family eventually being sponsored by the United States, climbing up from nothing, and now having a prosperous family I am proud to be part of.
Thank you Veterans. The fruits born of your continual acts of selfless service may never be known. I am proud and thankful to share this story with you.
A GIFT OF HOPE FROM A VISION TO A MOVEMENT
Dr. Emily Letran
It was about 20 years ago…
I got a phone call from my “big brother” from UC Riverside, the late Duong Huynh, PhD. “Are you free this weekend? Come to this fundraising dinner.” “Ok, anh Duong,” I answered while cooking dinner. “Good, that will be $100,” and he hung up!
Because I know and trust him, I showed up to that first dinner with my husband. I remember us driving through crazy traffic to this event I knew very little about. As soon as I arrived, I felt at home. There were all these young Vietnamese people gathering to donate professional goods and services for Viet Nam, from medical screenings to dental treatment to vision care. I reconnected with several of my friends from undergrad. We reminisced about the days we entered university not knowing a whole lot to now becoming healthcare professionals serving people in our motherland.
The following year, Dr. Duong called me again.
“Why don’t we make it easy and you sponsor a whole table?”
“Ok, anh Duong. $500, right?” ”No, it’s not $500. It’s $1000!”
And just like that, I became part of the SAP-VN family. I watched the organization grow, from a medical mission group of 30 to almost two hundred. I came year after year to see the slide show and cry with the audience as patients shared their stories of gratefulness. The artworks I have in my home and office came from auctions at SAPVN. Most of all, I came every year to feel a part of THE movement of service—making a difference and changing lives at home, in Viet Nam.
This year, I was honored to attend SAP-VN as Press, representing the Los Angeles Tribune – Viet Nam Journal. I still sponsored a whole table to honor my friend, Duong Huynh, who cofounded the organization.
Recognition plaque from 2004
On the red carpet, I had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Thanh Nguyen, the Founder of SAP-VN. He has been instrumental in assisting Vietnamese refugees back in 1991-1992 and decided to expand his love and heart to helping people from the motherland. As a refugee himself, he wants to get others involved because he has a first-hand understanding of the people living in poverty in Viet Nam, empathizing especially with the children who are physically challenged. His message for young people—the second and third generation of Vietnamese people who grew up in the US—is to take advantage of the opportunity to travel back home, provide charity work, and gain an understanding of how their peers live in Viet Nam.
Dr. Yen Duong, the leader of dental mobile care for SAP-VN—served alongside her husband, Dr. Trung Doan, for many years. In the early days, she remembers the two of them as the only dentists in the group; they were once left behind while brushing and flossing their teeth after breakfast! Dr. Duong believes young professionals should appreciate what we have and understand that we have the ability and opportunity to care for others. It is incredibly rewarding to give back and hang out with people of different age groups and interests who have a common cause to support.
Quynh Tran,
DDS
, and Kaitlyn Dang, PharmD, MS, MPH, represent the younger professionals who dedicate their time as Board Members and oversee many programs in the US. Dr. Tran believes SAP-VN allows him to return to his culture and his roots in Viet Nam. He also loves the fact that 90% of SAP-VN donations go straight to patient care, because all organization volunteers take care of their own travel expenses. Dr. Dang likes the grassroots aspect of SAP-VN. She loves the fact that the organization is small and values volunteers’ ideas to improve different programs. Their message is simple: “Together We Can Make A Difference,” and paying forward is a way of life.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” - Winston Churchill
Dr. Yen Duong
Doctors Quynh Tran and Kaitlyn Dang
Mr. Thanh Nguyen
The friends and supporters of SAP-VN behind the fundraising efforts are exceptional. I had the opportunity to chat with Trina Thuy Nguyen, OD, who is the Fundraising Chair for SAP-VN this year. She deeply believes in the organization and appreciates the collaborative efforts of everyone. She recognizes the significant growth the organization has achieved in adding charity services for the community, as well as the increasing number of younger professionals who want to get involved. She proudly brags that the list of volunteers signing up for mission trip is usually filled up in 1-2 weeks! The transformation younger professionals experience as they join SAP-VN is phenomenal.
Serving alongside Dr. Nguyen this year is Phuong Trang Cao, PharmD, who co-hosted an exquisite gala to raise funds for the organization. Dr. Cao got her whole family involved with SAP-VN, from hosting car washes with her kids to traveling and helping in the medical mission. She believes the leadership of an organization is deeply important, not just from the top but also from the communities they serve. Mrs. Khanh Van Nguyen, lovingly known as “chi KV,” is such a leader. Her message for giving is to have a sharing heart; her secret for success is to have a positive attitude and work hard.
Dr. Trina Nguyen
KV Nguyen
Dr. Phuong Trang Cao
SAP VN supporters: Hien Dang, Vy Phan, Dr. Tommy Dang
The SAP-VN Fundraising dinner was a huge success! I received a bottle of wine with the SAP-VN label and will be showcasing it to my friends. The music shared by Vietnamese artists and the donations for auction were just one part of the festivities. S omewhere in the faraway land of Viet Nam, I can hear the happy giggles of the young lives we will touch and serve through “The Gift of Hope.”
WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR?
Dr. Emily Letran
At the time of writing this, we are right around the corner of the 2024 Presidential Election i n the United States. There are lots of debates, houses divided, friendly and fiery discussions around the topic of “Who will be in the White House next?”
I actually learned the answer to this when I attended a recent three-day workshop hosted by the one and only legendary speaker Mr. Les Brown. Les asked the same question to the audience, and before anyone of us could respond, he answered it himself.
“It does not matter who is in the White House. You should focus on fixing your own house.”
In simpler words, mind your own business and focus on the most important things in your life rather than getting distracted. This does not mean you ignore life-changing events. It means you need to have the discipline to focus your attention on what matters most instead of losing it to distractions.
We should start with what we CAN change.
From a business standpoint, we can prepare our career for the future by embracing automation, emerging technologies, and AI, rather than worrying about our jobs being outsourced in any industry. We can study economic cycles to prevent being caught by surprise with any economic downturn.
We can build our business based on true relationships and face-to-face interactions rather than opting for the convenience of Zoom meetings. Ultimately, people do business with people they know, like, and trust. It is at times disheartening to hear that people pass along inaccurate information from social media posts rather than seeking out the truth by taking time to ask the right person with the proper information.
One of the things I do for my clients is optimize the value of their customers. In dentistry, I have patients who have stayed with me for 26 years, following me as I moved my office several times. In coaching and consulting, I have clients who have invested years in their work with me and have experienced exponential growth. The longer a customer stays with your business, the more likely he or she will spend money with you, whether that be services at a nail salon, cosmetic dentist, or weight management center. When we control our business growth,
Les Brown also shared his belief about WORK:
Willingness to do what is required
Own your market
Relationship matters
Keep the main thing the main thing
There are no concerns about politics when it comes to the life of this wonderful human being. He has inspired millions and teaches us to “live a life of contribution and a life that will outlive you.”
When we focus on living that life, it truly does not matter who is in the White House.
This election, let’s all focus on living life to its fullest potential and create a better future for our own children.
Are YOU An Authority In YOUR Global Market?
- Being Different Is A Strength
- Leveraging Brands As A Strategy
- Write , Speak, Serve and Sell
- Collaborative Leadership Is The Fastest Way To Success
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
ERIN FRANK
Katherine Lam: The “Stubborn” Spirit Behind Bambuza Hospitality Group’s Success
Katherine Lam, CEO and President of Bambuza Hospitality Group, has never been one to conform to expectations. Her entrepreneurial journey began early, when she was just a six year old child shopping for her family at the local market in Vietnam. After Katherine proudly secured green onions from a neighborhood vegetable stall, the vendor told Katherine’s mother her little girl was a relentless negotiator, not leaving until she got the very best deal. From that moment, Katherine knew she wanted to be a businesswoman.
Katherine was born to a family where girls were seen as unimportant, while the men and boys made decisions and received attention. There were no role models of female business leaders, and the message she heard was that girls couldn’t dream big: “What can you do? You’re just a girl.” Instead of accepting these limits, she felt a drive to prove her worth, often acting like and playing with the boys. Katherine was called stubborn, but she embraced the label as a badge of honor.
At the age of 13, Katherine’s family immigrated to the United States. Not knowing the language didn’t stop her from making the dance team or being the only female driver in her high school’s car racing club. Katherine’s drive, regardless of how out of place she felt, would become the cornerstone of her success.
Katherine’s life took a new turn when she married Daniel Nguyen, who had recently opened a small Vietnamese restaurant in Seattle, Washington called Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen. She threw herself into the business, soon working long days cooking and managing the staff while pregnant with their firstborn daughter.
Katherine Lam Portland Business Journal 2024 Women of Influence honoree
Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung and family celebrating Katherine Lam and Daniel Nguyen’s induction into the 2024 class Asian Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, California
Under Katherine and Daniel’s leadership, Bambuza Hospitality Group has grown into a thriving business with locations in major airports across Oregon, Washington, California, and Utah. While Katherine and Daniel both earned MBAs to better understand the complexities of growing an enterprise, it’s still Katherine’s gut instincts and unwillingness to take “no” for an answer that inform her decision-making. “I didn’t wait for permission to enter the C-Suite,” she says. “Whether as a company of four, or a company of nearly 400, the buck has always stopped with me.”
“For me, feeling ‘peace’ means I can live with my decisions, whether right or wrong.” This inner compass has been Katherine’s guide, helping her navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry.
Today, Katherine is also an inspiration to others, particularly women looking to break barriers in business. “I have daughters and nieces. I want them to have the role models I didn’t have.” Katherine’s commitment to mentoring has become a key part of her legacy, guiding young women “to make it easy for people to help you, and never let others’ expectations define your dreams.”
Katherine Lam’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a fierce belief in the power of stubbornness. What began with a handful of green onions has grown into a hospitality powerhouse—proving that, sometimes, what people see as your greatest weakness can be the root of your success.
“This award is not just about us but it’s about the resilience and dedication that eryone has shared with us. Whether you are Vietnamese or Oregonians or simply are the people who believe in lifting up others, we accept this award on behalf of all the people that have supported along the way,” - Katherine Lam.
