Workshop Presenters

Danny Bui presents:

Graphic Design: Art in Iteration and Brainstorming

Art, in essence, is bringing something from the subconscious into fruition. Whether it’s the NIKE logo, the lithography machines for graphics cards, or how a chair is designed, every idea must be methodically refined to breathe life into it. Although the end product may differ slightly, the action of creating something tangible breathes life into your ideas. Complacency and procrastination to act on an idea will cause it to move to another consciousness until it then becomes real. What differs between a mallet, a motherboard, and the Mona Lisa is purpose. Exploration, repetition, and immediate action can fuel your creative spirit, mind-muscle connection, and output. Achieving 'art' is chasing that hopeful feeling that it's exactly how you imagined it to be. To create something that matches the look and euphoria of that idea requires repetition and practice. This workshop is a guide on how to create with iteration, how inspiration and stealing artworks are twins, and how principles of aesthetics can be defined and replicated; see from the perspective of a thief and artist.

Danny Bui (he/him) is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Saint Louis University.

Kevin Huynh presents:

Love Turns Into Action: Keeping Families Together

Over 17,000 Southeast Asians have received final orders of removal since 2002. In 2016, 8 Cambodian Minnesotan men were at risk of deportation. Their families—primarily women, elders, & children—rallied around them and fought back by organizing their community, a uniquely intergenerational movement led by families who had never organized before. Today, Southeast Asians are being detained and deported again. Two Vietnamese men died in the systems of ICE detention this year and over 200 Southeast Asians have been deported to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and to third countries. Join us in learning to harness community love and power in order to disrupt harmful cycles of violence perpetrated by the crimmigration system, the displacement to deportation pipeline, and one way you can support your immigrant family, friends, and community.

Kevin Huynh (he/him) is a Vietnamese-American who continues to learn and unlearn how to honor the struggle of our ancestors who faced imperialism/colonialism violence. He strives to be grounded in community, joy, and transformative justice.

Tyler Nguyen presents:

Beyond “Good Refugees”:
Why We Must Organize for Justice

How can Vietnamese identity inform our activism and address the social issues of today? This workshop seeks to challenge dominant narratives about the Vietnamese community, and show how Vietnamese identity can guide the ways we enter or engage with activism. In the first portion, attendees will explore the narrative of the “Good Refugee”, highlighting its problematic elements and the need to reclaim our narratives. In the second portion, attendees will discuss what issues are most pressing to the Vietnamese community, and explore how Vietnamese-led movements across the country have addressed injustice and inequality. Prior experiences in activism are not necessary. All are welcome to discuss how we can move our communities for positive change!

Tyler Nguyen (he/him) is a 4th year student at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, majoring in International Studies.

Nhật Hà Trần presents:

Caring for Your Whole Self

The goal of this workshop is for attendees to leave feeling empowered and equipped with tangible resources they can use in their daily lives. The workshop will focus on the whole self in “self-care.” From mental, emotional, and physical well-being through the lens of our community, and what does that really mean to us? Together, we will break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a personalized toolkit equipped with resources, tools, and a network curated specifically for our members that they can utilize on campus, at work, at home, and wherever they may find themselves.

Nhật Hà Trần (she/her) is a program manager at Minnesota Alliance With Youth where she supports AmeriCorps members. Her mission is to develop leaders who foster individual strengths, amplify their voices, and prepare them to achieve their life goals.

Hannah Huynh presents:

Intersectionality: Navigating Queer and Asian Identities

This interactive workshop explores the intersections of queerness and Asian identity, emphasizing the complex and often conflicting cultural, familial, and societal expectations that shape one’s sense of self. Participants will engage in reflective activities and dialogue to unpack how race, culture, and sexuality intersect to influence belonging, authenticity, and resilience. Through storytelling, group discussion, and interactive participation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate identity tensions while honoring both cultural heritage and queer expression.

Hannah Huynh (she/they) is involved in various leadership roles aimed at promoting cultural awareness and community engagement of which includes her Student Engagement Center Assistantship and various Non-Profit Roles.

David Phan presents:

Navigating Post-Grad Life

As a first-generation college student, your main focus as you are getting your degree is on studying for exams or getting through the semester to reach the finish line. However, seldom do we prioritize what post-grad life may look like if you are focused on the now. Through this workshop, attendees will be able to hear from lived experiences from the presenter as he transitioned into his post-grad career living in a new state while understanding what adulthood may look like. This workshop will allow attendees the opportunity to ask questions about post-grad life and retain genuine perspectives to 'level up' as you leave the conference weekend.

David Phan (he/him) serves as an advocate for life transitions through his experiences living in the Midwest and NorCal regions.

Trisha Trinh presents:

Dance with VTrance

VTrance will lead a dance workshop that integrates Vietnamese culture through music, telling a story with its instruments, vocals, and lyrics. Participants will engage by learning dance movements that are coordinated to the music beats, instruments, vocals, or lyrics. The dance will blend contemporary and traditional movements, making it accessible for all skill levels and encouraging personal growth in music expression and understanding. Aligned with VIA-1's theme, VTrance aims to emphasize that while the learning process may be slow, even small progress in each movement is meaningful and reflects how far you've come. The workshop invites dancers of all levels, encouraging experienced participants to slow down and reflect on their journey, while beginners are encouraged to be present and open to new learning experiences. VTrance hopes that participants walk away not only with a dance but with a sense of pride and connection to Vietnamese culture, by seeing how our traditions are still alive, evolving, and being preserved. Ultimately, the goal is for participants to grow individually, expressing themselves through music and movement, rather than simply dancing

Trisha Trinh (she/her), a choreographer and dance instructor with over seven years of experience, who founded VTrance to share her passion for the cultural artistry of Vietnamese traditions. VTrance looks forward to seeing everyone soon! \(^-^)/

Kayla Nguyen & CC Ly present:

Growing Up Ham Choi: Building Community Through Vietnamese Games

In the Vietnamese American community, many of our parents enjoyed winding down by hanging out with friends, enjoying nhậu food, and playing fun Vietnamese board games. As we have gotten older, you might have played these fun games during a VSA General Board Meeting or during Lunar New Year. Like our parents, we have been able to enjoy these games and build community within the Vietnamese diaspora. Ever wanted to play and learn more about the history of Tiến Lên or Bầu Cua Cá Cọp? “Level Up!” your knowledge on these Vietnamese games and revisit some “Memories of Home” with last year’s VIA-1 Executive Directors, CC Ly and Kayla Nguyen.

Kayla Nguyen (she/they) is an alum from the University of Iowa with a major in Interdepartmental Studies, Applied Human Services.

CC Ly (she/her) is a University of Michigan alumni who graduated in 2025, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in digital studies.

Steven Nguyen & Anh-Dao Do present:

Gamifying Personal Finance for Long-Term Growth

This interactive workshop empowers participants to take charge of their financial well-being through a self-reflective approach that makes personal finance more accessible and enjoyable. Learn practical skills including budgeting and expense tracking, saving strategies, and credit building, while exploring concepts of scarcity mindset and the impact of cultural norms on financial growth. Through group reflection and mini-activities, attendees will evaluate their current financial habits and develop actionable plans for long-term financial wellness. The workshop blends financial literacy fundamentals with cultural context, helping participants understand how Vietnamese/Vietnamese-American financial traditions can both support and potentially limit their growth in today’s economy. Leave with practical tools and templates to continue your financial journey, plus insights on how small, consistent changes can lead to significant financial growth over time.

Steven Nguyen (he/him) is a University of Michigan alumnus with a degree in computer science, currently residing in San Jose, CA and working in tech.

Anh-Dao Do (she/her) is a University of Kansas alumnus with a degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Business Administration, currently residing in Kansas City and working in investment banking.

Andy Ho presents:

Power Up: How to find an Internship/Full-time Job!

Currently looking for internships/jobs? Want to become "employed"? Maybe you haven't started or maybe you've submitted hundreds of applications. Regardless, this workshop will give you the opportunity to learn more about the application process for various professional fields such as tech, business, and many more industries. You'll get insight on how to best shape your resume, prepare for interviews, and put your best foot forward so you can land your dream job/internship!

Andy Ho (he/him) is an alumni from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and currently works in the tech industry in New York City.

Cassidy Tang presents:

The Art of Commonplace: Curating a Life Journal

In a world overflowing with information, how do we capture what truly resonates with us? This workshop introduces the timeless practice of commonplace journaling to gather quotes, observations, reflections, and ideas in one intentional space. The commonplace journal becomes a curated collection and personal library of meaning with no rules and no pressure, just what matters to you. We’ll explore how to set up your own commonplace system, try out fun prompts, provide a space for creativity, and gain a fresh perspective on how to slow down and engage deeply with what you read and experience. Whether you're a writer, student, artist, or simply someone who loves to reflect, you’ll leave with a new journal to fill with many thoughts and memories.

Cassidy Tang (she/her) is finishing up her undergraduate studies at Saint Louis University in the Accelerated Nursing Program.

Alan Tran & Tyler Dang present:

Sip, Snap, and Repeat. How Being Performative Builds Confidence

Sip, Snap, and Repeat: How Being Performative Builds Confidence delves into how “being performative” can be an essential tool for true self-growth. Through open discussion and creative activities such as matcha sipping and tote bag painting, participants will learn how “faking it” isn’t about being fake, it's about showing up as the best version of yourself. This workshop openly invites attendees to reflect, express, and embrace the importance of performativity and how it can enlighten confidence to yourself and others in everyday life.

Alan Tran (he/him) and Tyler Dang (he/him) are two young inspiring men who share a love for building self-confidence, expressing genuineness and achieving their full potential. Tyler is a current 3rd year pre-dental student at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and Alan is a computer science graduate from the University of Louisville.

Pele Le presents:

Creating Inclusive VSAs: Identity, Vietnamese Hxstory & Organizing Strategy

This workshop will explore how power, privilege, and oppression shows up in social identities, and how to deconstruct it. Throughout this exploration, Vietnamese hxstory and culture will be woven in, highlighting critical events and elements, such as war, food, flag politics, and language. By the end, you will learn strategies to create more inclusive spaces and politically organized VSAs

Pele Le (he/him) is a second-generation Vietnamese American who studied healthcare management, public health, psychology, leadership, and Asian American history at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Angel Gammon presents:

XP from Within: How Inner Growth Builds Your Next Level

In this reflective and empowering workshop, Angel invites attendees to explore how personal growth begins from within. Drawing from her own journey of self-discovery and mindset transformation, Angel shares how embracing self-love, respect, and affirmations can strengthen one’s foundation for future growth. Through open discussion and guided reflection, participants will learn how to reframe challenges, recognize their quiet progress, and celebrate the experience points gained along the way. This workshop encourages attendees to pause at their “save point,” honor their resilience, and rediscover the power that comes from leveling up (mentally, emotionally, and personally).

Angel Gammon (she/her) is a recent alumna of Indiana University–Indianapolis, where she earned her B.A. in Sociology.

Kathy Le presents:

From Rejected to Resilient: Finding Your One-of-a-Kind Strength

In a community where we share a collective history of resilience, it’s easy to feel like just one of many, especially when faced with repeated rejection. Whether it's your third interview rejection or yet another missed opportunity, the weight of imposter syndrome can be heavy. This workshop creates space to honor those “little things,” the moments of perseverance, identity-shaping decisions, and personal grit that often go unrecognized. By embracing our setbacks and the emotional weight of imposter syndrome, we reconnect with ourselves and our shared cultural strength. This session is a reminder to participants that true progress isn’t always loud or public, but it’s found in how we adapt, how we carry ourselves forward, and how we support one another in community. Just like this conference, the workshop is a save point: a chance to slow down, be present, and see the power in our own becoming.

Kathy Le (she/her) is a CU Denver alum with a B.S. in Biology and Ethnic Studies minor (’21) and has a Master of Social Work at MSU Denver (’25).

Leah Pham presents:

The Flavor of You: Brewing A Path to Self Discovery

Discover the flavors of identity and personal growth in this interactive workshop that blends conversation with Vietnamese coffee. Through guided discussions and creative activities, attendees will explore what shapes identity, how it evolves over time, and how to embrace change with resilience. Whether you’re stirring things up or cooling down with new perspectives, this workshop offers a unique, engaging, and reflective space to connect with yourself and others.

Leah Pham (she/her) is an alumna from Indiana University Indianapolis with a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, currently working as an Infection Preventionist.