New Vietnamese Leadership in Maryland

The Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA) is pleased to announce Ms. Diane Vy Nguyen-Vu as the new Executive Director for the organization effective November 5, 2007. Ms. Vu joined MVMA in December 2006 as MVMA’s third Dan Than Corps member (AmeriCorps member). She served as the Project Manager for the Golden Age Project for Seniors (GAPS) and was instrumental in enhancing the program and improving the organizational capacity.

Ms. Vu holds a B.A. in psychology with a concentration in biology and education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. “This past year has been an experience so amazing I can’t begin to put into words; therefore, I can’t even imagine what this upcoming year will hold and I am excited and anxious to work with the community in a much greater capacity.” said Ms. Vu.

Dan Than Corps program’s goal is to build a generation of new leaders in the Vietnamese American community. Ms. Phuong Do, Project Director at the National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies (NAVASA), commented that “Vy represents a new generation of leaders in the Vietnamese American community, who is committed not only to ensuring equity, representation, and access of services for the individuals, but reaches across cultural and generational boundaries to inspire others to share her passion for community work. We are gratified that the Dan Than Corps program was able to provide Vy with opportunity and support for her to realize her leadership potential.”

Ms. Yen Le, the outgoing Executive Director, also a graduate of the Dan Than Corps, will be going back to school sometime next year. “I found my passion in immigration law and policy while working at MVMA and will pursue this field when the time is right. As for now, I will focus on improving my Spanish. I am completely confident with Diane and her team in taking MVMA to another level.” said Ms. Le.

MVMA chair and president, Mr. Hoan Dang, is optimistic about the sustainability and future of MVMA. He expressed that “Ms. Yen Le has done a tremendous job as Executive Director in implementing MVMA’s strategic plan to serve immigrants, youths and seniors. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Ms. Diane Vy Nguyen-Vu is a capable leader and she is passionate about serving the community. MVMA Board is confident that, as Executive Director, she will continue to build upon the foundation that Ms. Le has established.” In order to ensure a smooth transition, Ms. Le has agreed to continue in a consulting role until December 14, 2007, to advise and support Ms. Vu in her new role as Executive Director.

For more information about MVMA’s programs, how to volunteer, and to donate, please call the office at (301) 588-6862. For more information about NAVASA and the Dan Than Corps, visit www.navasa.org.

MVMA is featured in the 2007-2008 Catalogue for Philanthropy as “one of the best small charities in the Greater Washington Region. ” To view our profile and to donate, please click

http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/2007maryland_vietnamese_71890.htm

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