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Rising Phoenix: From the Remnants of War to the Pinnacle of Prosperity – The Vietnamese American Story

On the serene grounds of Veterans Memorial Park, Jeffersontown, KY, stands the newly inaugurated Tri Ân Monument — a symbolic, steadfast marker, paying tribute to not only the undaunted veterans of the Vietnam War but also casting a light on the ceaseless vitality of the Vietnamese-American community. The tales of valor from both USA veterans and South Vietnamese allies have forever inscribed a saga of sacrifice and brotherhood, spanning continents and echoing through history.

In the harrowing aftermath of the Vietnam War, the narrative progressed, bringing forth another chapter: the exodus of Vietnamese refugees. Individuals like Di Tran, now a serial small business owner and author in Louisville, Kentucky, began a quest, fleeing the only home they knew, to seek refuge in a promising land across the vast ocean. The tales of Vietnamese refugees like Tran aren’t merely stories of survival but epitomize an indomitable spirit to create, to build, and to weave into the fabric of American society.

Yet, within these stories of past pain and triumphant survival, lies a pivotal narrative – one that evolves from the remnants of bygone struggles into a vibrant tapestry, defining not only where we come from but, significantly, where we stand now, and the direction in which we are headed. The Vietnamese immigrants and their ensuing generations, setting deep roots across the expansive United States, have come to symbolize a profound truth: The value of our shared humanity is engraved not in our past or our origins but in our daily deeds and our shared future.

Take, for instance, the burgeoning Nail Industry in the USA, a sector that has blossomed into a staggering $10 billion+ annual industry. The Vietnamese-American community has played a pivotal role in transforming this industry, demystifying the luxury of nail care from an exclusive privilege of Hollywood celebrities to an accessible indulgence for the common citizen. Through endeavors in such industries, the Vietnamese community has not merely constructed businesses; they’ve established vital connections, fostering a symbiotic growth that enriches both the individual and the society in which they’ve nested.

Moreover, a powerful testament to the allegiance and dedication of Vietnamese-Americans towards their adopted homeland is visibly apparent in the military. Thousands of individuals of Vietnamese origin, spanning 1.5, 2nd, and now 3rd generations, are serving with utmost pride and dedication in the USA military, embodying the virtues of loyalty, bravery, and unyielding commitment to safeguarding the land that has become home.

Monuments like Tri Ân stand not merely as remnants of a tumultuous past but as an eternal flame, illuminating the path of unity, resilience, and collective prosperity. This is not merely a symbol for Vietnamese-Americans but is a beacon for all, conveying a message that our shared histories, while sometimes scarred by wars and displacement, bind us together in a shared future that we are collaboratively creating.

The Vietnamese community, much like all immigrant communities, illustrates a quintessential American tale: one where our origins, fraught with their unique challenges and triumphs, contribute to a greater American narrative. We rise, not as disparate stories, but intertwine as a collective saga, continuing to weave a future that honors our past, celebrates our present, and lights a torch for the generations yet to come.

The Vietnamese in America stand proud, not merely as contributors but as invaluable chapters in the magnificent American story. It’s in every enterprise embarked upon, every military uniform adorned, and every future dream nurtured where we affirm our unwavering commitment: To build, to honor, and to perpetually contribute towards a future where every story is cherished, every sacrifice acknowledged, and every contribution fuels our shared American dream.

With Di Tran, this is Hoàng Đức Nhã was a notable figure in South Vietnam during the era of the Vietnam War, holding a significant position as an advisor to President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu. President Thiệu was the head of state in South Vietnam from 1965 to 1975, and Hoàng Đức Nhã was known to be one of his closest and most influential advisors.

Nhã held numerous roles during Thiệu’s presidency, including being involved in the realm of media relations and psychological warfare. He is often associated with managing and controlling the media and information dissemination in South Vietnam during the Thiệu administration, crafting the government’s narrative and managing its image during a particularly tumultuous and polarizing period in Vietnam’s history.

As an advisor to President Thiệu, Nhã was involved in various aspects of governance and policy-making and was often seen as a controversial figure due to his influence and the various strategies implemented, especially regarding media censorship and control.

It’s noteworthy that the history and the characters from the Vietnam War era are complex and multi-faceted, with diverse narratives stemming from the different perspectives and sides of the conflict. While some see figures like Nhã and Thiệu in a particular light due to their actions and policies during the war, others may have contrasting views based on their experiences, loyalties, and interpretations of the historical events.

References

https://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_9C17ECD0FF9B45D7BDE1A4730F2E0988

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Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Immigration Small Businesses

Celebrating Art, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship: A Spotlight on Di Tran’s Connection with Cuban Artist Humberto Lahera

On July 14, 2023, Louisville, Kentucky came alive with a rich display of multicultural unity, artistry, and entrepreneurial spirit during the Welcome Academy Alumni reunion. The event, hosted by Crane House of Louisville and sponsored by Louisville Metro Office of Immigrant Affairs, gathered immigrants from across the globe, including India, Cuba, Mexico, the Philippines, Somalia, and other nations.

Di Tran, an influential figure in the community and an advocate for entrepreneurship among immigrants, attended the event. Tran, though not an artist himself, holds a deep appreciation for art and the artists who create it. This appreciation was especially palpable in his interaction with Humberto Lahera, a Cuban artist renowned for his meticulous, photorealistic work.

Humberto Lahera is an artist specialized in photorealism and portraiture. A graduate of the Art Academy of Holguin and Universidad de las Artes de Cuba, Lahera brings his meticulous, intimate interpretations of nature and beauty to every piece he creates. His artwork and murals have not only brightened the walls and lives of people in Cuba, but they’ve also crossed borders to enrich public and private spaces across the United States.

Though Lahera’s artistry and Tran’s entrepreneurial pursuits seem worlds apart, they found common ground during the reunion. Tran, who is no stranger to the challenges and rewards of small business ownership, expressed his desire to help artists like Lahera thrive in their craft and make a living from it.

As the leader of the New American Business Association, Tran helps individuals leverage their unique talents and values to build successful small businesses. He believes that art, like Lahera’s, shouldn’t merely be admired but should also serve as a foundation for sustainable entrepreneurship. He champions the idea of artists packaging their works into deals that cater to a range of potential customers and their varying budgets.

In the spirit of fostering more vibrant connections between art and entrepreneurship, Tran encourages anyone interested in Lahera’s work to reach out to him directly on LinkedIn here.

This collaboration between Tran and Lahera, between business and art, is a vivid example of how the rich diversity of Louisville, KY can flourish. It stands as a testament to the unity and collaborative spirit that thrives in this vibrant city, a place where art and business walk hand in hand, and where the immigrant population plays a crucial role in shaping its cultural and economic landscape.

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

The Power of Self-Belief: A Key to Financial Success

Often, financial success is misunderstood. It is not always as straightforward as “You knew what to do, you simply do it”. This perspective, argued by Codie Sanchez in her writings on ‘Boring Biz’, is actually missing a key ingredient: self-belief. The belief in oneself, in one’s abilities and potential, forms the bedrock of financial prosperity and overall success.

“You have to believe you can do it”, is the mantra that many struggle to grasp. An unnerving fact is that only 1 in 10 people in the United States die wealthy, with most people passing away without a substantial amount of cash to pass on to the next generation. Many die young, and most die broke. This financial struggle is symptomatic of a greater issue — a lack of belief in one’s own potential.

Codie Sanchez’s life offers an exemplary depiction of the effects of this belief. Her journey from earning $37,000 right out of college, with her bank account frequently overdrawn, to becoming a successful entrepreneur demonstrates the power of self-belief. Overcoming her financial adversities required not just knowledge of her business, but a staunch belief in her own ability to achieve her financial goals.

Another significant story comes from Di Tran, author of the soon-to-be-released book “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”. After graduating college, Tran faced a challenging job market, sending out hundreds of applications, participating in seven interviews before finally landing a job for $45,000.

What stands out in his journey, is his undying perseverance fueled by his self-belief. Tran maintained the mentality of “I CAN and I DO”. This wasn’t a one-off mantra; instead, it required consistent verbal and mental affirmations, coupled with actions that reflected his goals and purpose. His relentless faith in his capabilities allowed him to weather the storm of rejection, land a job and set him on the path of financial success.

These stories shed light on the real secret behind financial success. It is not merely about knowing the right steps or strategies to acquire wealth. It is about fostering a belief in your ability to achieve financial goals, to overcome setbacks, and to persevere when things don’t go as planned.

In conclusion, financial success is attainable for everyone, but it requires more than just knowing what to do. It requires a belief in one’s ability to achieve, the strength to keep going when faced with obstacles, and the perseverance to continually work towards one’s financial goals. Let’s cultivate this belief in ourselves, because when we believe, we become our own greatest asset.

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Leadership Development Workforce Development

Revolutionizing International Student Recruitment: The Benefits of MiaHire from Di Tran Enterprise

International student recruitment is a critical aspect of universities and colleges in the United States. With the increasing competition and globalization of education, universities are continually seeking new ways to attract and retain international students. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using online recruitment tools such as MiaHire from Di Tran Enterprise, which utilizes video online interviews.

Traditionally, the process of recruiting international students involved resume screening followed by in-person interviews. However, this method is time-consuming, and universities often miss out on good candidates due to geographical barriers. With MiaHire, universities can overcome these challenges by conducting video interviews, which allow them to handle a large number of applications while not missing out on excellent candidates.

One of the significant advantages of using MiaHire is that it enables universities to evaluate candidates based on their English proficiency, which is essential for success in their academic studies. English proficiency is one of the major challenges international students face when studying abroad. Therefore, by assessing a candidate’s English language skills during the recruitment process, universities can ensure that only those who meet the necessary standards are selected.

Hiring challenge

Furthermore, MiaHire is an excellent tool for universities looking to expand their reach abroad. While using ambassadors who speak the country’s language and are in the same field of expertise is a proven strategy for universities, this method has limitations in terms of scale and time constraints. In contrast, MiaHire enables universities to connect with candidates from various parts of the world without leaving their campuses, making the recruitment process more efficient and cost-effective.

MiaHire is also an excellent tool for universities seeking to enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts. The video online interview format allows candidates from various backgrounds and cultures to showcase their unique strengths and abilities, enabling universities to select the best candidates based on merit rather than cultural biases.

International student recruitment is a critical aspect of universities and colleges in the United States, and online recruitment tools such as MiaHire from Di Tran Enterprise are the way forward. With its video online interview format, universities can evaluate candidates’ English proficiency, expand their reach abroad, and enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts. As universities continue to seek new ways to attract and retain international students, using tools such as MiaHire will undoubtedly be a game-changer in the recruitment process.

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Sport

The Super Bowl: An Introduction to the Game of Football and its Rules and Objective

The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional American football in the United States. It is played annually on the first Sunday in February and is considered the biggest event in American sports.

The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, and was originally called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. At the time, the NFL and the American Football League (AFL) were separate leagues, but the two organizations merged in 1970. The game was renamed the Super Bowl and has since become one of the most watched television events in the United States, with millions of viewers tuning in each year to watch the game and the highly anticipated halftime show.

The Super Bowl has come to symbolize not just the culmination of the NFL season, but also the pinnacle of American popular culture. It is a time for friends and families to gather, enjoy good food and drinks, and watch the best in professional football compete for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.

What is Vince Lombardi Trophy?

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is the championship trophy awarded to the winning team of the Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States. It is named after Vince Lombardi, the legendary head coach of the Green Bay Packers who won five NFL championships in the 1960s, including the first two Super Bowls.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is made of sterling silver and is handcrafted by the silversmith company Tiffany & Co. It stands 22 inches tall and weighs 7 pounds. The trophy features the NFL logo on one side and the Super Bowl logo on the other, and the winning team’s name and year are engraved on the base.

Winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy is considered one of the greatest accomplishments in professional American football and is highly sought after by NFL teams and players. It is presented to the winning team’s head coach and players on the field immediately following the Super Bowl. The Vince Lombardi Trophy is a symbol of excellence in the sport and is highly prized by NFL fans and players alike.

How American football is played?

Football is a sport played between two teams of 11 players each on a rectangular field with goalposts at either end. The objective of the game is to score points by advancing the ball into the opposing team’s end zone or kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. Points can also be scored by defending the ball in the end zone for a touchback, or by scoring a safety.

The game is played in four quarters, with each quarter lasting 15 minutes. At the start of each quarter and after each score, the ball is placed at the opponent’s 20-yard line, and the offensive team must advance the ball 10 yards in four downs or plays to earn a first down and continue their drive. If the offensive team fails to advance 10 yards in four downs, the ball is turned over to the opposing team.

The offensive team has a variety of ways to advance the ball, including running with the ball (also called rushing), passing the ball, or kicking the ball to a teammate. The defensive team tries to stop the offensive team and get the ball for themselves by tackling the player with the ball, intercepting a pass, or forcing a fumble.

There are many rules and nuances to the game of football, but these are some of the basic concepts. The sport can be challenging to understand at first, but with time and exposure, it becomes a thrilling and exciting game to watch and play.

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Small Businesses

The Growth and Expansion of the Vietnamese-Owned Nail Salon Industry in the United States (1970s-Present)

The nail salon business in the United States started to grow in popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was during this time that a new wave of immigrants, primarily from Vietnam, began to settle in the United States and bring with them their skills and traditions in nail care. These immigrants saw the opportunity to start their own businesses in the nail care industry and, in turn, introduced the concept of professional nail salons to the American market. The nail salon business started in urban areas with large Vietnamese populations, primarily on the West Coast and in Texas.

Many of the early nail salons were small, family-owned businesses that offered a range of services, including manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail enhancements. Over time, the popularity of nail salons spread to other parts of the country, and the industry continued to grow and evolve. As the industry grew, larger companies entered the market and began to offer a wider range of services and products. Nail salons became increasingly popular and began to offer a wider range of services, including spa services, massages, and skin care treatments.

Today, the nail salon industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States, with thousands of salons operating across the country, from California to New York and from Texas to Washington state. The industry has evolved into a thriving and important part of the American economy, providing employment and services to millions of people. The nail salon business started as a result of the entrepreneurial spirit of Vietnamese immigrants and has since become an integral part of the American landscape.

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Community

The Waves of Vietnamese Immigration to the United States: Characteristics and Settlement Patterns (1975-Present)

There have been several waves of Vietnamese immigration to the United States, each with its own unique circumstances and characteristics. The location of Vietnamese immigration to the U.S. has varied across each wave.

  1. First Wave (1975-1995): The first wave of Vietnamese refugees settled primarily in large cities on the West Coast and in Texas. Cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston became major centers for Vietnamese immigration and provided many of the resources and support networks necessary for these refugees to begin their new lives in the U.S. This wave was primarily composed of South Vietnamese military personnel, government officials, and their families, who were evacuated from the country during Operation Frequent Wind. Many of these refugees faced discrimination and struggled to assimilate into American society.
  2. Second Wave (1980s-1990s): The second wave of Vietnamese immigration was more dispersed, with many refugees settling in smaller cities and rural areas. This was due to a combination of factors, including the availability of sponsors and job opportunities, as well as the cost of living in larger cities. Many second-wave refugees settled in the Midwestern and Southern regions of the U.S., where they established new Vietnamese American communities. This wave was primarily composed of people who had been living in refugee camps in Southeast Asia and was sponsored by relatives or churches in the United States.
  3. Third Wave (1990s-Present): The third wave of Vietnamese immigration has been more diverse in terms of location, with many immigrants settling in both large cities and suburban areas. This wave of immigration has also been characterized by higher levels of education and financial stability, which has allowed many Vietnamese Americans to settle in more affluent areas. Additionally, the reunification of families has played a significant role in the settlement patterns of third-wave immigrants, with many choosing to live near relatives already established in the U.S. This wave of immigration has been driven by reunification of families and economic opportunities. Many of these immigrants have come to the U.S. through the family-sponsored immigration program.

Overall, the Vietnamese American community has made significant contributions to the U.S. and has established itself as a vibrant and successful community. Despite facing many challenges, the Vietnamese American community has remained strong and continues to grow and thrive in the United States, now found in many regions from California to New York and from Texas to Washington state.