““When I was young, I met many famous people without realizing how important a role they would later play in my life.”
Life in Omaha gave me the opportunity to meet many well-known local figures as well as special visitors to the city. I met Warren Buffett several times, before he became the influential figure he is today. I was also a recipient of a scholarship from his foundation. One memory I still cherish is when Nancy Reagan, First Lady of the United States, visited my elementary school to read to the students.
My parents always placed great importance on education and tried to give me learning opportunities beyond the classroom. I had the chance to visit the White House to study constitutional law, attend biology camps on Catalina Island, and travel to Houston to learn about astronomy with NASA. From an early age, these experiences nurtured in me a love of learning, curiosity, and a passion for exploring new fields.
I spent my formative years in Nebraska before my family moved to Orange County and later to the San Francisco Bay Area. I earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UCLA. I then continued my education and received an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. I also completed doctoral and postdoctoral studies in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University.
Throughout my life, I have carried an entrepreneurial spirit inspired by my mother, along with a passion for discovering new places and cultures. My strengths in public speaking and debate, combined with a direct communication style and a strong commitment to core values, helped me begin my career in the biotechnology industry.
I quickly developed a reputation as a negotiator and dealmaker who could help bring transactions to successful outcomes. Over the course of my career, I managed laboratories as well as a range of business functions, from manufacturing, marketing, and sales to research and development, both in the United States and in international markets.
“I was very fortunate to have had outstanding mentors who placed me in environments where I could grow.”
In my 30s, after I was married and had a daughter, I began to reconnect with and deepen my Catholic faith. This became a turning point that opened an entirely new chapter in my life, one in which work, family, faith, and service gradually became more closely connected.
In 2016, I joined the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine community at Christ Cathedral. I was later appointed by the Diocese as the official project manager, responsible for key areas including fundraising, architecture, and construction. The more deeply involved I became in the project, the more time I spent on the Cathedral campus and the more connected I became to the journey of building a sacred space for the Vietnamese Catholic community.
The year 2023 became a particularly meaningful milestone in my journey when three different organizations recognized me with significant awards. Catholic Charities Auxiliary named me among its Inspirational Catholic Women. The Orange Catholic Foundation presented me with the Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Business Integrity. I was also recognized by a Vietnamese community organization for my contributions.
In April 2023, Bishop Kevin Vann offered special praise and recognition when presenting me with the Bishop’s Award. To me, these honors are not only milestones in a personal journey, but also reminders of the value of education, mentors, family, faith, and the opportunities we are given to use our abilities in service of the community.”