VietHope U.S. Reunion 2026 — Where Hope Comes Full Circle

By VietHope | April 22, 2026

A gathering shaped by people

In late March 2026, VietHope hosted the VietHope U.S. Reunion in California, bringing together over 50 donors, supporters, and friends of VietHope for an Appreciation Luncheon, followed by a weekend retreat in Monterey for the VietHope Vietnam–U.S. core team.

This year’s reunion was especially meaningful with the presence of VietHope’s leadership team: Ha Huynh, Executive Director, and Dong Le, Program Director, who is also a VietHope alumnus. It created a rare opportunity for the U.S. community to reconnect in person, hear updates directly from the ground, and engage in conversations that felt both personal and forward-looking.

Rooted in Community, A Circle of Hope

The Appreciation Luncheon was not only a moment of gratitude, but also a reflection of something deeper,  a community of professionals in the U.S. who continue to stay connected to VietHope and contribute in various ways.

Some have been part of VietHope for decades, while others are just beginning their journey. Yet what brings them together is a shared willingness to support, to mentor, and to create opportunities for students in Vietnam.

Ha Huynh, Executive Director, shared updates on our VietHope activities in Vietnam and our 2026 plans

Once Supported, Now Supporting – They Are Our Culture

A special highlight was the mini talk show connecting generations of alumni, featuring Đông Lê (Program Director, VietHope scholar F1student generation) and Thịnh Trần (F10 student generation, currently a master student in Computer Science at the University of Dayton), offering inspiring insights into growing with VietHope.

Through their conversation, the audience gained a closer look at VietHope’s impact, from program implementation in Vietnam to the long-term journeys of students beyond graduation.

Thịnh’s story reflected a personal journey of growth, from a VietHope scholar to pursuing his master’s degree in the U.S. with the support of NEEC, one of VietHope’s long-time partners. Meanwhile, Đông offered a broader perspective shaped by more than 22 years with VietHope, evolving from an alumnus to Program Director, and leading efforts from scholarship to student-focused initiatives in skills development and mental well-being. Together, they illustrated how VietHope’s impact extends beyond programs, becoming part of individual journeys while continuously shaping a larger mission.

From connection to direction

The Monterey Retreat provided a different kind of space, one that allowed for deeper conversations, reflection, and planning.

Board members, volunteers, alumni and donors spent the weekend connecting not only as individuals, but as a community, brainstorming about what comes next.

Several ideas began to take shape during the retreat:

  • Building regional VietHope chapters in SoCal, NorCal, Boston, Washington DC, New York, Ottawa/ Canada
  • Organizing community-driven fundraising events such as a pickleball tournament
  • Expanding VietHope’s presence within Vietnamese communities in the U.S.
  • Growing a stronger volunteer network to support long-term initiatives

In the year ahead, VietHope will continue to expand our activities in North America and beyond, creating more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute. From local initiatives to larger community events, there will be many ways for individuals to stay involved and make an impact.

💙 Would you like to be part of VietHope’s circle of connection?

Posted in Alumni, Human Of VietHope