Born in South Vietnam and immigrated to the United States as part of the first wave of Vietnamese refugees following the fall of Saigon, establishing a lifelong foundation of resilience and cultural fluency.
Raised in Chicago’s western suburbs, a diverse culinary and cultural landscape shaping high standards for craft and authenticity.
Educated in Carol Stream, Illinois; graduate of Glenbard North High School, Class of 1987, developing early leadership and entrepreneurial drive. Continued Education at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago And Georgia State University.
Comes from a Vietnamese Buddhist family profoundly influenced by The Venerable Thích Nhất Hạnh and the Plum Village tradition, grounding lifelong commitments to compassion, mindfulness, interbeing, and community stewardship.
A Vietnamese-American leader shaped by refugee experience, Chicago upbringing, and bicultural identity, informing commitments to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community empowerment.
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