Volunteer Of The Month: Mai Duong – A Mission Beyond Distance

Mai Duong’s journey with VietHope began by chance, but it was the sense of belonging she found and the meaningful work of the organization that inspired her to stay. This month, VietHope is proud to share Mai’s inspiring story and celebrate her unwavering commitment to connecting generations of volunteers, alumni, and supporters across the VietHope community.

Ms. Mai Dương – VietHope U.S Lead Team 

Finding a Home in VietHope

Mai Duong first learned about VietHope through her brother, Quang Duong, who is now a Board member and has been involved with VietHope for many years. During her visits to the Bay Area, she was inspired by the warmth, talent, and passion of the U.S. team. However, it wasn’t until 2020, in the midst of the pandemic and isolation, that she officially joined VietHope.

From book clubs and website projects to countless virtual collaborations, volunteering became more than just giving back – it became a source of connection and hope. Despite not being able to meet many team members in person for years, the friendships and shared memories they built helped everyone navigate one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

“There are times I am very stressed at work or feel very sad in life, but for some reasons, meeting and talking with VietHopers (no matter where they are) have given me strength to continue and move forward.” – Mai reflected.

Leading Through Challenges 

Since taking on the role of President of VietHope U.S. in 2021, Mai had remained dedicated to a mission that is close to her heart: reconnecting generations of VietHope volunteers, alumni, and supporters. Despite the challenges of balancing a full-time job, different time zones, and maintaining a vibrant community, Mai has persevered. While there were moments when she considered stepping away, her unwavering belief in the power of community kept her going. 

“I am still working on this and hope that one day, we can have a strong VietHope community in the US like we used to have before.” – Mai shared.

Reconnecting the VietHope Family 

In 2026, one of the most significant moments for Mai was the U.S. Reunion series. It was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt gathering where VietHope’s co-founders, alumni, donors, and core members came together once again. This reunion not only allowed for reconnection, but also provided an opportunity to witness the impact of years of dedication and generosity through the stories and achievements of VietHope students and volunteers. 

Looking back, three moments stand out most vividly for Mai. The first was meeting with VNHelp and Visemi to explore potential collaborations that could create even more opportunities for VietHope students, volunteers, and partner organizations. 

The second was seeing two former VietHope scholarship recipients travel to the United States for the first time and personally thank the donors and founders who had quietly supported their journeys. In that moment, geographical distance disappeared as donors were able to embrace the lives they had helped transform, making the impact of their generosity tangible in the most heartfelt way. 

The third was reconnecting with longtime donors who had lost touch with VietHope over the years. Listening to their stories and hearing why they had continued to believe in and support VietHope reminded Mai of the enduring power of a shared mission and a community built on trust. 

Looking ahead, Mai and the U.S. team have an exciting road ahead. Throughout the remainder of 2026, they will focus on fundraising initiatives, including the Google Campaign in November and Chapter Projects across the United States. Beyond these efforts, the team is already preparing for an even more significant milestone: VietHope’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, planned for July 2027 in Vietnam. 

For Mai, success will not be measured by the size of an event or the amount of funds raised. Instead, it will be defined by the day when VietHopers from around the world reunite, celebrate the organization’s journey together, and witness a new generation of young leaders carrying VietHope’s mission forward.

A Heartfelt Message to You

To the Vietnam team and the students whose journeys she has supported from afar, Mai shares: “I just want to say that I am very amazed at the Vietnam team as well as VietHoppe students on how talented they are, how resilient they have been regardless of obstacles, and how passionate they are with VietHope. I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Vietnam next year.”

Besides, Mai has a final message for members of the Vietnamese – American community who are considering getting involved: “Even though we are a small organization compared to others in the US, we have done a lot of new things/activities that not many organizations are able to do. If you volunteer with VietHope, not only will you have a community in the US and in Vietnam for life, but you will have many opportunities to learn and develop new skills (leadership, project management, problem solving, marketing and communication, etc). So if you are looking for either or both, do not hesitate to reach out to us.”

Whether you are a student, young professional, or someone looking to give back to the Vietnamese community, there is a place for you at VietHope. We are always eager to welcome passionate volunteers who want to learn, contribute, and create lasting impact together.

Thank you, Mai, for your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of community. Thank you for showing us that no matter how far apart we may be, a shared mission and a caring community can continue to inspire meaningful change.