Tag: Louisville Institute of Technology

Categories
Community Corporation Leadership Development Self-Improve

Di Tran Reflects on His Journey from UPS Intern to Serial Entrepreneur at Event with UPS Airlines President Bill Moore

At a recent event, Di Tran, a humble member of the Louisville community and a serial entrepreneur, had the opportunity to attend a meeting with Bill Moore, President of UPS Airlines. There, Moore elaborated on the wonders of UPS Worldport in Louisville, the heart of UPS’s global air network, and the technological advancements that facilitate the movement of 2 million packages each night.

Moore shared that UPS’s aircraft, with the capacity to virtually pilot themselves, are a testament to the company’s innovative spirit, with two pilots present largely for backup and redundancy. This high level of automation ensures efficiency and safety, supported by a workforce of 3,000 pilots and 1,500 mechanics, cementing UPS as a top employer and a source of pride for the local community.

A special note was made on UPS’s educational initiatives, offering part-time employees free tuition and full health benefits for just four hours of work daily. This program not only highlights UPS’s stature as a leading employer but also its commitment to nurturing the next generation—a cause close to Di Tran’s heart, given his work with Louisville Beauty Academy, the Louisville Institute of Technology and Kentucky Pharmacy.

During the event, Di Tran, who once walked the halls of UPS as a computer engineering intern, recounted his early days at the company. He expressed profound gratitude for the invaluable experience gained there, which laid the foundation for his journey into entrepreneurship. As a business owner and mentor, Tran’s story is a testament to the opportunities that a company like UPS can provide to young, ambitious individuals.

The meeting, punctuated by Moore’s insights and Tran’s reflections, served as a remarkable narrative of growth, technology, and community contribution. It was a vivid illustration of how one’s career trajectory can evolve from intern to industry leader, and how companies like UPS play a critical role in shaping the professional landscapes of cities like Louisville. Di Tran left the event inspired and thankful, carrying with him the lessons of a past enriched by opportunity and a future brimming with potential for the young minds of Louisville.

Categories
Community Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Guiding Lights: A Journey of Courage, Compassion and Faith Leadership Development Workforce Development

Charting New Horizons: The Synergy of Dr. Rick Smith Sr. and Di Tran

In the sprawling and evolving landscape of post-secondary education, there are luminaries who shine with their unyielding commitment to reshaping futures, to bridging divides, and to creating pathways for dreams to be realized. Among such torchbearers are Dr. Rick Smith Sr. and Di Tran, two remarkable leaders whose journeys, while distinct, find intersections in their shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive educational future.

Dr. Rick Smith Sr., as seen from his stellar contribution at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), has been instrumental in forging connections between higher education and communities. Under his leadership, CPE has prioritized promoting the value of higher education, emphasizing student access and success, and most significantly, aligning the spheres of higher education with the workforce. His creation of the External Affairs and Economic Partnerships Office is just one of the many steps he’s taken in this direction.

Parallelly, Di Tran, the dynamic president of Di Tran University, has been carving a niche in private post-secondary education. With institutions such as the Louisville Beauty Academy, poised to open its 2nd location, and the Louisville Institute of Technology, he’s championing the cause of real-world, accessible education. His focus doesn’t end at providing top-notch education; Di Tran Enterprise’s venture into software development, particularly with the introduction of the MiaHire USA platform, underlines his commitment to innovation and workforce development.

Now, one might wonder, where do these two journeys intersect?

The magic happens in the shared ethos of these two leaders. Both Dr. Smith and Di Tran believe in the power of community, collaboration, and creating opportunities for those often left on the peripheries. This shared vision finds a unique confluence in forums like the Rotary Club of Louisville, one of the world’s largest clubs that stands as a testament to community service and leadership. For Di Tran, standing alongside leaders like Dr. Rick Smith Sr. is more than just an honor. It signifies unity, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to elevating lives. Both, being from minority groups, understand the profound impact of grit, determination, and the sheer will to elevate others.

Their synergy, whether directly or indirectly, serves as a beacon of hope for many. While Dr. Smith’s initiatives create broader frameworks for connecting education with communities, Di Tran’s institutions offer tangible pathways for adults to pursue their aspirations. Together, their endeavors send a resounding message: education is the cornerstone of personal and societal transformation.

As we look to the future, it’s heartening to know that leaders like Dr. Rick Smith Sr. and Di Tran are at the helm, steering the ship of educational change with warmth, passion, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.

Categories
Community Small Businesses Workforce Development

Understanding the Fabric of Our Economy: Di Tran’s Passionate Dive into the Language of Finance for Kids

Di Tran - ABC book of Finance
Di Tran - ABC book of Finance

In the vast tapestry of human civilization, few threads are as influential as the intricate workings of finance. At its core, finance is more than just money, stocks, and commodities; it’s the representation of value, the driving force behind our decisions, ambitions, and ultimately, our societies. And yet, the nuanced understanding of this field often remains cloistered, reserved for the chosen few who navigate its labyrinthine corridors. Di Tran, a seasoned entrepreneur and educator, seeks to bridge this chasm with his latest book, “The Language of Finance and Business: A to Z,” uniquely tailored for young minds.

With his signature fervor, Di Tran emphasizes the unmatched exhilaration he feels each time he releases a new book, a sentiment amplified manifold when crafting content for the younger generation. Holding the hard copy of his newest creation, he speaks not just as an author but as a father, mentor, and passionate advocate for early education. “The foundation of our world, the essence of our exchanges, is rooted in value and trade, translating into businesses that propel economies. And it’s pivotal that our children, the leaders of tomorrow, grasp this essence early on,” says Tran.

The importance of this understanding is manifold. By introducing children to the world of finance, we’re not merely teaching them about money. We’re instilling in them a comprehension of value – how it’s determined, how it’s exchanged, and how it influences almost every aspect of our lives. This is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving global economy, where understanding the dynamics of trade, value appreciation, and financial literacy can shape sound decisions both personally and professionally.

Di Tran’s journey, a testament to grit and the power of value, serves as a backdrop to this enlightening guide. From his arrival in the U.S. in 1995 with limited resources to founding multiple successful businesses, his narrative intertwines with lessons on the importance of recognizing and adding value. His endeavors, whether in establishing educational institutions like the Louisville Institute of Technology or innovative platforms like MiaHire USA, echo a simple yet profound belief: the significance of adding value in all undertakings.

“The Language of Finance and Business: A to Z” is more than just a book; it’s a legacy, an endeavor to sow the seeds of financial literacy and value appreciation early on. With an alphabetical approach, it disentangles the complexities of the financial world, making them accessible and relatable to young readers. As Di Tran rightly points out, “Our children need not become financiers or traders, but understanding the language of value and business equips them to navigate life’s myriad transactions with clarity and confidence.”

In a world driven by numbers, trades, and valuations, it’s vital to recognize that at the heart of it all lies a simple principle: value. And by empowering our children with this understanding, we’re setting the stage for a future where they don’t just participate in the economy; they shape it, lead it, and most importantly, add value to it.

As Di Tran shares his latest masterpiece with the world, it stands as a clarion call to educators, parents, and mentors everywhere: let’s ensure our future generations are fluent in the most universal language of all – the language of finance and business.

Amazon – ORDER TODAY
Categories
Community Corporation Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Information Technology Leadership Development Small Businesses Workforce Development

The Evolving Landscape of IT: A Focus on AI in the Age of Self-Programming

A recent revelation by Di Tran, CEO of the Louisville Institute of Technology (LIT), serves as a compelling wake-up call to all IT professionals. Just a few years ago, the industry was plagued with a significant shortage of coders and programmers. According to Tran, many institutions were contemplating ways to generate a new generation of coders to fill this gap. At LIT, the focus was a tier above—shaping full-stack enterprise-level developers capable of constructing complex multitier systems.

Fast forward a few years, and the paradigm has shifted dramatically. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has started to write its own code, with more advanced AI evaluating, improving, and refining their programming patterns and styles. “AI now performs code review a thousand times more effectively than I could have ever led my IT team,” says Tran, who served as a Principle Software Architect and was among the top five engineers in a Fortune 50 company.

Yet, this emerging reality has led to a question that resonates profoundly in the industry: what does the future hold for IT professionals?

According to Tran, the seismic changes brought about by AI’s increasing capabilities does not render human engineers obsolete. On the contrary, it opens up an expansive new frontier for them. Despite AI’s impressive performance, they still require training and tuning to perform at their optimal capabilities.

“What the world of IT needs now,” Tran explains, “are top-level software architects who truly understand IT and data to train and fine-tune AI.” Furthermore, IT professionals must develop business acumen to tailor AI to specific use cases, creating tangible value for businesses and communities. This nuanced, comprehensive understanding of both technology and business is where Tran’s Enterprise finds its niche.

The Louisville Institute of Technology has been quick to adapt to this shift. While they still maintain apprenticeships for enterprise full-stack engineers, the focus has been realigned to meet the current industry demands. They are now concentrated on developing AI trainers specialized for specific use cases. They are leveraging the numerous open-source AI solutions now available for private and customizable usage.

In essence, the landscape of IT has been radically transformed. AI has disrupted the status quo, challenging IT professionals to rethink and reposition their roles. It’s not a matter of job extinction but job evolution.

As Di Tran highlights, the future is not about replacing humans with AI but harnessing the power of AI to create a synergy that can elevate both technological advancement and human capacity. By taking on the mantle of AI trainers and savvy business strategists, IT professionals can create a future where they continue to add significant value—despite the rapid advances in AI technology.

The insights provided by Di Tran offer a new perspective on how we approach the changing dynamics in the world of IT. Rather than viewing AI’s increasing proficiency as a threat, we should see it as a tool for expansion and exploration in the IT landscape, pushing the boundaries of human-AI collaboration to unprecedented levels.

Categories
Community Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Immigration Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Di Tran: A Night of Reflection and Inspiration at the Most Admired Woman Awards 2023

Local entrepreneur and author Di Tran attends the prestigious Most Admired Woman event and shares his profound reflections.

LOUISVILLE, KY, June 13, 2023 — Tonight, Mellwood Art Center at 1860 Mellwood Ave was abuzz with excitement and inspiration as it hosted the Most Admired Woman Awards 2023. Among the attendees was Di Tran, the co-founder and CEO of MiaHire USA, Louisville Beauty Academy, Louisville Institute of Technology, and Di Tran Enterprise. An entrepreneur, software developer, IT consultant, and author, Di Tran was deeply touched and honored to be among such an inspiring group of people, especially the women who were being celebrated on the night.

Di Tran’s respect for women, particularly mothers, runs deep and is a recurring theme in his writings. His book, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” sheds light on this admiration and is an homage to his own mother, whom he considers his number one idol. In his book, he eloquently describes the sacrifices, strength, and dedication of mothers and women in general, who contribute so much to their families and communities.

As the night unfolded, Di Tran was taken by the stories of the women who were being honored. These incredible women, many of whom are mothers, juggle multiple responsibilities ranging from family care to running successful businesses, and community leadership. They handle familial obligations, domestic chores, business challenges, personal health, and still manage to lead and inspire. Di Tran observed that their energy seemed inexhaustible and their commitment unwavering.

One of the most striking takeaways from the evening for Di Tran was the role of spirituality in the lives of these amazing women. A recurring theme among the Most Admired Women of 2023 was their unwavering faith in God as a source of strength, guidance, and purpose. They credited their accomplishments to a higher power and showcased a deep sense of humility and gratitude.

Furthermore, the environment at the event was thick with mutual support. These women were not only successful in their own right but were also genuinely supportive of each other’s achievements. They embodied a mindset of rising beyond oneself for the betterment of the community and demonstrated that a “glass has to be full to be shared.”

Di Tran, already an advocate for selflessness and community, found his beliefs resonating strongly with the messages of the night. He left the Mellwood Art Center not only inspired but also reaffirmed in his commitment to focusing on others and contributing positively to society.

The Most Admired Woman Awards 2023 will remain a night of reflection and inspiration for Di Tran and all who were privileged to attend. It highlighted the incredible capacity of women, particularly mothers, to serve as the bedrock of families and communities, and it showcased the potent combination of faith, mutual support, and selfless service as a blueprint for a better world.

Categories
Community Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Immigration Information Technology Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

The Power of AI Integration: Enrich Your Knowledge and Secure Your Position

Introduction: In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping various industries, the apprehension about AI usurping human jobs is rampant. However, an insightful perspective offered by Di Tran, an esteemed author and educator at Louisville Institute of Technology, can turn the tides. According to Tran, it’s not the AI itself taking your job, but those adept at harnessing AI’s potential will. As AI becomes an integral part of business operations, professionals must realize that not utilizing AI’s capabilities is equivalent to forgoing the 10,000 miles of enrichment that it can offer in knowledge and business progress.

Understanding the AI Enrichment: The 10,000 miles of enrichment metaphor represents the massive value that integrating AI can bring to one’s knowledge and career. AI’s data processing capabilities are unprecedented. With machine learning, it can sift through colossal amounts of data, making predictions and automating tasks with efficiency far beyond human capacity. According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute, AI can potentially add $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030 (McKinsey Global Institute, 2018). By integrating AI into your workflow, you are essentially tapping into this vast reservoir of potential, fostering innovation and efficiency.

The Art of Questioning: What sets a great engineer or professional apart, according to Di Tran, is not necessarily knowing the answers but the ability to ask questions that lead to those answers. This sentiment echoes the wisdom of Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, who believed that scientific prowess lies in questioning and curiosity (Gleick, 1992).

AI as an Enabler: In this context, AI serves as an enabler for professionals to ask better questions. AI systems can analyze data sets and provide insights that would otherwise remain hidden. With these insights, professionals can ask more informed and critical questions, leading to innovative solutions and strategies. A study by Accenture revealed that businesses incorporating AI can increase productivity by up to 40% (Accenture, 2017). This productivity arises not just from automation but from the capacity to make data-driven decisions that stem from intelligent questioning.

Educating for the AI Era: Educational institutions play a critical role in preparing professionals to harness the power of AI. By incorporating AI education into their curricula, institutes like Louisville Institute of Technology, where Di Tran teaches, are empowering students with the skills needed to remain competitive. IBM’s “P-TECH” schools are an example of a global education model that focuses on equipping students with digital skills, including AI, to ensure they are ready for the workforce (IBM, 2020).

Conclusion: The integration of AI into business practices is not a threat but an opportunity. By embracing AI and using it as a tool to ask better questions, professionals can enhance their knowledge, make informed decisions, and stay ahead in their fields. As Di Tran emphasizes, the key lies in questioning and adapting. The future belongs to those who can harness the power of AI and employ it as an ally in their relentless pursuit of answers.

References:

  • McKinsey Global Institute. (2018). Notes from the AI frontier: Modeling the impact of AI on the world economy.
  • Gleick, J. (1992). Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman. Pantheon Books.
  • Accenture. (2017). How AI Boosts Industry Profits and Innovations.
  • IBM. (2020). P-TECH: A new education model preparing young people for the workforce of the future.
Categories
Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Early Childhood Education Immigration Leadership Development Self-Improve

Di Tran’s Memorable Encounter with Baseball and Umpire Tom Hallion

Introduction:

On May 25, 2023, at the Woman Club of Louisville, the Rotary Club of Louisville hosted a special meeting featuring a distinguished guest speaker: Tom Hallion, a renowned Major League Baseball umpire. Among the attendees was Di Tran, CEO of several small businesses, including the Louisville Beauty Academy, Louisville Institute of Technology, and MiaHire.US. As an almost 30-year immigrant to the United States, Di Tran had little exposure to baseball, making this encounter with Tom Hallion a significant learning experience.

The National Pastime and Tom Hallion’s Legacy:

Baseball, often hailed as the national pastime in America, carries deep cultural significance within the country. With its roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, baseball has become synonymous with teamwork, competition, and fair play. As Di Tran engaged with Tom Hallion, he discovered the sport’s rich history and its connection to American values.

Tom Hallion, an esteemed MLB umpire, boasts an illustrious career and is widely respected within the baseball community. Known for his competitive nature and winning mentality, Hallion has officiated numerous high-profile games, including World Series and All-Star Games. Even at his current stage in life, Hallion’s energy and dedication remain as vibrant as ever.

The Impactful Statement on Family:

During the Rotary Club meeting, Tom Hallion shared a poignant and relatable sentiment about the role of family in his life and career. Reflecting on his journey from the minor leagues to the big leagues and back, he acknowledged the unwavering support of his loved ones. Hallion emphasized the significance of his family’s presence during both the highs and lows of his umpiring career.

As Hallion spoke about his emotional connection to family, Di Tran experienced a powerful moment of resonance. The umpire’s admission that his wife and children stood by him during difficult times struck a chord with Di Tran’s own journey as an immigrant entrepreneur. It highlighted the importance of having a strong support system during challenging moments.

A Touching Tribute to Wives:

Tom Hallion took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the often overlooked contributions of wives in the lives of umpires and, by extension, all individuals pursuing their passions. He expressed admiration for the unwavering dedication and support his wife and countless other wives provide, acknowledging the sacrifices they make behind the scenes.

For Di Tran, this tribute resonated deeply, prompting him to applaud along with the rest of the crowd. It served as a reminder of the often underappreciated role that spouses play in the pursuit of dreams and goals. Di Tran was moved by Hallion’s genuine and heartfelt expression of gratitude towards these unsung heroes.

Conclusion:

The meeting between Di Tran, CEO of various small businesses, and renowned MLB umpire Tom Hallion at the Woman Club of Louisville proved to be an eye-opening experience. As a newcomer to baseball, Di Tran was introduced to the sport’s cultural significance and gained insights into Tom Hallion’s accomplished career. Hallion’s emphasis on the importance of family and his heartfelt tribute to spouses left a lasting impression on Di Tran, serving as a poignant reminder of the support required to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Categories
Community Leadership Development Self-Improve Workforce Development

Serving Others and Growing Together: Di Tran Reflects on the Power of Rotary Club of Louisville Projects

Di Tran, the CEO of Di Tran Enterprise, has built a successful business that includes Louisville Beauty Academy, Louisville Institute of Technology, and other small businesses. As an author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” and soon to be released “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” Di Tran has made serving others a central theme in his work and personal life. Recently, he reflected on the Rotary event fundraising efforts and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve others through the Rotary Club of Louisville projects.

Vy Truong – Di Tran’s Wife

The Rotary Club is a global organization that is dedicated to promoting peace and improving communities around the world. The Rotary Club of Louisville is one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the world, with over 350 members, and has been serving the community for more than 110 years. The club is committed to making a positive impact in the community and beyond, with initiatives that focus on education, health, and community development projects.

The Rotary Club of Louisville has undertaken numerous projects over the years, including the Rotary Promise Scholarships, which provide tuition-free enrollment at Jefferson Community & Technical College to qualifying graduates from two high schools in the Jefferson County Public School system. The scholarships are designed to motivate students to be academically successful in high school and improve the college-going rate. Another project is the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, which provides scholarships for students to attend a three-day leadership program.

Dr. B, Vy Truong and Di Tran

The club also recognizes unsung heroes each year by honoring one senior from each public, private, and Catholic high school for their school and community volunteer work. They also award two Unsung Heroes students a $2,000 renewable scholarship to a local four-year college that is matched by most of the institutions. In addition, they support various community projects, such as Repair Affair, which mobilizes resources and volunteers to make repairs on homes owned by low-income homeowners who are elderly or disabled.

On an international level, the Rotary Club of Louisville contributes annually to Rotary International’s 32-year-long campaign to eradicate polio in the world. They also partner with other Rotary Clubs in the U.S. or abroad to support various projects, such as providing clean water, working septic systems, kitchen gardens, and instruction on recycling and environmental protection in eight isolated schools in a mountainous area of Colombia.

March 27th at Waterfront Botanical Gardens! – Fundraising

Di Tran, at 40 years old, is grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve others through Rotary projects. As a young CEO compared to many of the other leaders and successful business owners in the Rotary Club of Louisville, he recognizes the importance of the Rotary Club’s values of truth, fairness, goodwill, and friendship. He believes that serving others is the true meaning of life, and he strives to instill this value in his work and personal life.

The fundraising event that Di Tran reflected on was a recent Rotary Club of Louisville initiative that aimed to raise funds to support various community and international projects. The event took place at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens and included the opportunity to attend in person, buy raffle tickets for a chance to win an amazing trip, or bid on online auction experiences. The fundraising event was a way for Rotary to raise funds to help others, and Di Tran is blessed to be part of such an important effort.

Di Tran believes that being around the “have done it” and weekly reminding himself of the Rotary mission, such as “is it the truth, is it fair to all concern, will it build goodwill and better friendship, and will it be beneficial to all concern” Rotary four-way test, has helped him grow each day. He wishes to teach his kids the same values, and he feels grateful to be part of the Rotary Club of Louisville’s efforts to serve others and make a positive impact in the world.

Categories
Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Empowering Young Leaders at JusticeFest: Reflections from Di Tran

Viet Bao - Di Tran CEO - JusticeFest Panelist
Viet Bao - Di Tran CEO - JusticeFest Panelist

JusticeFest is an annual event presented by Churchill Downs, Humana, and Park Community Credit Union that brings together Jefferson County students from grades 3-12 to pitch solutions to community-wide issues. This year, JusticeFest was produced as part of the Derby Equity and Community Initiative, with Kentucky Derby Festival, Churchill Downs, and Humana.

Style ‘N Go – Braiding for Student

Among the panelists at JusticeFest was Di Tran, the author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” and the soon-to-be-released book “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH”. As a business owner and a leader in the community, Di Tran understands the importance of empowering young people to create positive change.

Di Tran shared his story and experiences as a business owner with the young leaders at JusticeFest. He is the owner of Louisville Beauty Academy, a beauty school that has graduated over 1000 students, and Louisville Institute of Technology, an IT apprenticeship program that prepares students for the workforce from day one.

NewComer Academy – JCPS Students

Di Tran was impressed by the creativity, intelligence, and passion of the young leaders at JusticeFest. He was honored to be a panelist and learn from them. In his upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” Di Tran emphasizes the importance of having faith in oneself and in God. He believes that with faith, anything is possible, and one can overcome any obstacle. The young leaders showcased at JusticeFest embody this message, as they tackle community-wide issues with confidence and conviction.

JusticeFest is an event that provides opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and ideas. It allows them to learn from business and community leaders, mentors, advisers, teachers, and other professionals. Di Tran is grateful for events like JusticeFest that empower young people and inspire positive change in the community.

JusticeFest is an important event that showcases the creativity and passion of young leaders in the community. Di Tran’s participation in JusticeFest and his appreciation for the young leaders highlight the importance of empowering young people to create positive change in their communities.