Meet the Executive Board Candidates (Round 2)

Isabelle Phan | Secretary |

Isabelle Phan | Secretary |

Hello UVSA-Midwest members,

My name is Isabelle Phan, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Secretary in our esteemed organization. I am deeply passionate about the Vietnamese Student Association and the incredible community we've built together. Today, I want to share why I am running for this position and how I plan to contribute to our success.

Over the years, my engagement with VSA at various levels has shaped my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to our community. From serving as a fundraising chair to leading as a president, each role has offered me unique insights into the importance of organization, communication, and community engagement—core qualities essential for the Secretary role.

In my professional life, I've honed my skills in project management by managing complex projects and driving initiatives that require meticulous planning and execution. Coupled with certifications in data science and project management, I bring a robust skill set that will enable me to serve effectively as your Secretary.

But why UVSA-Midwest, and why Secretary? The secretary's role significantly impacts our organization's cohesion and success. It resonated with my strengths and my vision of fostering a more connected, resourceful, and empowered UVSA community.

I aim to create a supportive framework for our member schools, aiding them in event planning, organizational management, and professional growth. By developing resources, facilitating networking opportunities, and introducing innovative programs, I aim to enhance UVSA-Midwest's value to each member, whether that be by creating a playbook with potential events, fundraising ideas, budgeting sheets, or just being a resource. 

I promise to be proactive, dedicated, and approachable in this role. Thank you for considering my candidacy for UVSA-Midwest Secretary.

H.A. Le | Secretary |

H.A. Le | Secretary |

“Hi everyone! My name is H.A. Le, my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a University of Kansas alum, and I am running for the Secretary position on UVSA-Midwest’s Executive board. As the Secretary candidate, I bring a diverse skill set and a deep commitment to the organization's mission of empowering the Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American community through cultural, educational, and leadership initiatives. With my background in digital marketing, project management, and with my past experiences in various leadership positions, I am well-equipped to streamline our operations and enhance our communication processes. My goal as Secretary is to ensure the smooth functioning of UVSA-Midwest and promote its long-term sustainability. I plan to achieve this by fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all members feel valued and heard, and by leveraging technology to improve efficiency. I also aim to  increase engagement and expand our online presence, making it easier for our constituents and alumni to access information and stay informed about our events and initiatives. I am excited about the opportunity to serve you all and UVSA-Midwest and contribute to its continued success and growth.”

Austin Vo | Secretary |

Austin Vo | Secretary |

"Hi everyone, my name is Austin Vo. My pronouns are he/him/his, and I am a 4th-year Statistics major at the University of Cincinnati. Throughout my time in UVSA-Midwest, I have taken on positions such as leading the Community Engagement Cabinet as one of their Co-Chairs, being a VIA-1 Sponsorship Committee member, being a Family Leader for this past Summer Extravaganza, and being a Programming Committee member for this past Leadership Summit. I also served as UC VSA's Secretary from 2022 -2023. My platform for Secretary is built on innovation, and I hope to reignite old initiatives and expand our growth through new digital assets. More specifically, I intend to support our organization in facilitating sponsorship and app development initiatives while improving our communication across more social media platforms and expanding our website."

Oanh Lam | Treasurer |

Oanh Lam | Treasurer |

“Hi everyone! I'm Oanh Lam (She/Her/Hers), a senior at the University of Iowa with a robust background in financial management and leadership. I'm thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Treasurer role on the 2024-2026 Executive Board of UVSA-MW! While I've held various positions within UVSA-MW, I'm eager for the next challenge and to further enhance this organization that means so much to me. If I were to encapsulate my plans and goals as Treasurer in one word, it would be "stability."