VIA-1 Proposal Packet UW-Madison

Memorial Union Terrace, University of Wisconsin
The 13th
Annual
Vietnamese Interacting as One Conference
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Tien Tran, President | VSA UW
Tyson Banh, Advisor | VSA UW
vsa.uwmadison@gmail.com

The University of Wisconsin VIA-1 Proposal Packet | Page 2back to top
Table of Contents
Letters
Letter of Intent 3
Letters of Support 4
Host City and University
Madison, Wisconsin 6
University of Wisconsin – Madison 6
Host Organization
Vietnamese Student Association 7
Conference Details
Theme and Abstract 8
Potential Dates 8
Logistics 9
Hotel 9
Banquet and Workshops 12
Projected Budget 15
Potential Fundraising for CPP 16
Potential Keynote Speakers 17
Potential Workshops 19
Potential Entertainment 22
Itinerary 23
Timeline 24
Past Event Planning Experience 25
Partnership
Student and Community Organizations 26
Resume and Biographies
List of Proposed Staff 27
Biographies 28
Resumes 31
Additional Information
Final Remarks 39

Letter of Intent
Dear UVSA Midwest,
It is my pleasure to introduce VSA UW’s intent to host the 13th
annual Vietnamese
Interacting as One Conference. As the previous president of VSA UW, I have seen
sizeable changes over the past few, short years. I am excited to see the many students
who have shown outstanding leadership and created networks beyond the states. VIA-1
is where it all starts.
The 13th
annual VIA-1 will be hosted in the city of Madison, Wisconsin – home to the
Wisconsin Badgers and the University of Wisconsin. Madison is a blooming city that has
more attractions than I can list. The university is integrated into the city, meaning much
of the downtown area is accessible on foot; this makes the city a walk- and bike-friendly
area. The capitol building is linked to the university by the famous, State Street – a long
stretch of restaurants, bars, gift shops and clothing stores. A short walk away leads to
the Memorial Union Terrace, next to the beautiful, Lake Mendota. Colorful chairs and
tables saturate the terrace with bright yellow, orange and green, as seen in the cover
photo. Sailboats, rowers, and ducks pass by on the beautiful lake. With the breath-
taking scenery, countless numbers of shops and restaurants and the walker-friendly
atmosphere, we would like to host the next VIA-1 conference in Madison, Wisconsin.
VSA UW has seen much growth itself. Just three years ago, there were only a handful
of people who attended Leadership Summit at Purdue University. Last year, we brought
more than 20 people, with most being first time attendees. At last year’s VIA-1 in Ohio,
Wisconsin had the most out-of-state staff in the Midwest. VSA UW has shown a large
presence in the conference and has made it memorable for all. This year, VSA UW
started the Anh Chi Em Program, creating closer bonds with our members than before.
Many of our events have grown in size and new events have sprouted from our ideas.
With more than 40 active members, we will have the manpower and the passion to host
the next VIA-1 at the University of Wisconsin.
I am proud to act as advisor and past president to the organization and be involved with
UVSA Midwest, taking the many various leadership positions available. I know that I, as
well as VSA UW, will commit ourselves to creating another empowering and memorable
leadership conference.
Sincerely,
Tyson Banh
Advisor, Vietnamese Student Association

Letters of Support

Host City and University
Madison, Wisconsin
Founded as a city in 1856, Madison is the capital of Wisconsin with a rising estimated
population over 200,000 people. As a city that has topped many lists including
“America’s Best Adventure Towns,” by National Geographic in 2009 and the “Nation’s
Best College Town” by Sports Illustrated in 2013, Madison is able to offer a stimulating
environment full of activities, unique shops, and distinctive restaurants while still
maintaining its bucolic feeling. Madison has a very politically diverse community that is
accepting of many cultures and beliefs. It’s a big city located on the isthmus, aligning
the city between two beautiful lakes that offer many water activities year-round. Within
campus grounds, you can sit and enjoy the sunshine with friends at the terrace, take a
walk on the Lakeshore Path to Picnic Point, or just stay indoors and play pool or
bowling. Steps outside of campus lead to State Street and the grand capitol building.
State Street is a pedestrian zone with shops and restaurants lining both sides of the
street. It hosts a number of notable businesses including Ian’s Pizza, State Street Brats
and Ragstock. By nighttime, Madison is still bustling with student and city life. Popular
activities go beyond the already reputable bars, by offering movies and live bands on
the terrace, open mic nights and the comedy club. From when you wake up, to when
you go to bed, there is always something to do. The city of Madison is a great place to
live and explore the endless opportunities. With its central location in the Midwest,
Madison and the University of Wisconsin offer a great location to host the 13th
annual
VIA-1 conference, where all schools have a fair opportunity to represent and attend.
University of Wisconsin – Madison
The University of Wisconsin – Madison, founded the same year as the state of
Wisconsin in 1848, has become a renowned university providing a learning environment
in which all students from diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds thrive. The
main purpose of the University has been to provide an environment in which all
individuals can develop an understanding and appreciation for the complex cultural and
physical worlds in which we live in. Students here strive to reach their highest potential
of social and intellectual means by expanding their leadership and network opportunities
while still excelling in the challenging academia. As one of the top research universities
in the United States, the aspirations of the University’s values reach far past just the
boundaries of Madison. Following the Wisconsin Idea, the University seeks to use the
teachings and research conducted at UW–Madison in order to contribute to the world at
large. This idea about getting a unique experience beyond academics and applying it as
world citizens is what we call the Wisconsin Experience.

Host Organization
The Vietnamese Student Association is here to promote, embrace and share the
Vietnamese culture with both students of Vietnamese ethnicity and students interested
in the culture. Through connecting and networking, we are able to unite a large body
and create a community within the school, state, and region.
VSA organizes many events throughout the year from small events like potlucks and
ultimate frisbee games to our larger, annual events like Culture Night and Tết. These
events help promote the development of individuals within VSA in sharpening their
leadership and organizational skills. Active participants are given the opportunity to
make a meaningful contribution to their culture as well as the community as students
learn more about professional growth, service, diversity and the Vietnamese culture. In
the end, we hope that those within the organization are able to utilize those
opportunities given to develop themselves and encourage others to reach their highest
potential.
As VSA has become home to a number of students of different backgrounds,
sometimes lost in the midst of such a large university, students have developed
relationships with one another, creating a closer bond we call family. This sense of
belonging is a safe space in which we open up and share thoughts and ideas. Our
hospitality spreads beyond our school and reaches out to our larger family, UVSA
Midwest, as well as many others.
Our members have contributed a lot to VSA UW and UVSA Midwest. From starting as a
general member to acting on board and joining UVSA Midwest, many of our members
have come to show their leadership and give back to the community they grew up in.
Jason Victor, Justin Bui, Jessica Phan and Eric Nguyen have inspired many others as
well as the many directors and staff who come from Wisconsin.
Currently, our executive board consists of 7 members that include Tien Tran serving as
President, Kayla Schmeling as Vice President, Joann Huynh as Secretary, Kim Chung
as Treasurer, Danh Mai as Events Coordinator, Angie Ngo as Public Relations and
Mafia Yang as Historian. These individuals are ready to commit the time necessary to
make a lasting impression at the 13th
Annual VIA-1 Conference.

Theme and Abstract
“Bridging Milestones – Discovering a Common Ground”
A milestone – a point of a chapter in one’s life where a new chapter begins. As a new
chapter begins, the previous ones are looked past. We, as Vietnamese Americans, are
brought up in a post-war world where our parents’ sense of community and belonging
are uprooted and transferred to a new land with new beginnings. Their new idea of
culture brings us up in a different youth than they previously had. Not only is there a
generational gap that separates parent and child, there’s also advances in this new land
that divides the relationship even further.
Bridging milestones leads to discourse and opens a conversation about this continual
event. While the bridge between the two cultures may be difficult in our attempts to
assimilate our fore nation’s culture, language, and behavior into the societal “norms,”
being able to close the relationship creates a community where two entities are able to
reach a common ground. We have chosen to confront the issues of identity within our
culture and continue to bridge that gap in hopes to build a chapter in which both are
present.
Potential Dates
Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March15
Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22
Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29

Logistics: Hotel, Banquet, Workshops
Hotel
The Madison Concourse Hotel
The Madison Concourse Hotel is one of the few hotels that has a beautiful view facing
the capitol. It contains 356 fully appointed guestrooms. The banquet can be held in the
ballroom and it has 27,000 square feet of flexible meeting spaces including 28 meeting
rooms and 12 hospitality suites. It is located downtown, near campus, and is a
convenient walking distance to suburban businesses, restaurants and shops. The
Concourse Hotel is near the Monona Terrace Center where there is an astonishing view
to gaze upon over Lake Monona. Underground parking is $10 per night. The Concourse
Hotel has many services such as dry cleaning, laundry, and a sundries shop. It also
contains a fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna.

Inn on the Park, Best Western
Inn on the Park is located downtown near the capitol. It contains roughly around 400
guestrooms. It has 15 meeting and event rooms with the max capacity of 600 guests.
They have a 24 hour airport and UW campus shuttle along with dry cleaning, indoor
pool, and fitness center. The location has many attractions around the place such as
Wisconsin Historical Museum, Henry Vilas Zoo, and Downtown/State Street
shopping/restaurants. It also offers horse carriage tours around the beautiful capitol.

Hampton Inn and Suites
Hampton Inn and Suites resides in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It has a
self-parking garage at the rate of $12 per night. The location is near State Street where
all the shopping and happy eating is at. It contains a fitness room along with a
swimming pool.

Banquet and Workshop
Overture Centre
Overture Centre for the Arts is on State Street located near all of the previous hotels
mentioned. It has a lot of space that can be arranged for workshops and banquets up to
1,500 people. Lighting and sound capabilities are worthy of a Broadway show. The food
is creatively catered and prepared by professional chefs. It’s also connected to the
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

Union South/Memorial Union
Wisconsin Union offers a wide range of audio/visual equipment. Catering selections and
room set-up options can change from lecture style to banquet dinners.
Union South: Varsity Hall is a 10,778 sq. ft.
multipurpose event space on the second
level of Union South. It is divisible into
three separate sections. Varsity Hall I is
2,295 sq. ft.; Varsity Hall II is 4, 413 sq. ft.;
Varsity Hall III is 4,070 sq. ft. Capacities
vary greatly depending on the event and
room set-up.
http://www.union.wisc.edu/eventspaces-
US.htm
Memorial Union: Great Hall is a 5,444 sq.
ft. multipurpose event space located on
the fourth level of the Memorial Union. It
features hardwood floors, a 24' wide x 21'
deep carpeted stage as well as direct
access to the Reception room.
http://www.union.wisc.edu/eventspaces-
mu.htm

Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace has 250,000 square-feet of space, a multi-level convention center
surrounded by curving, geometric forms that cover the breathtaking beauty of the
natural environment. Catering and food is available and can seat up to 4,000 people.
Floor Plan
http://www.mononaterrace.com/conferences-conventions/facilities-room-capacities

Projected Budget
Low Estimate Middle Estimate High Estimate
Lodging
Concourse Hotel (356 rooms)
Hilton Monona (240 rooms)
Hampton Inn (190 rooms)
Double Tree Hilton (60 rooms)
$149/night
$127.50/night
$125/night
$99/night
$159/night
$127.50/night
$125/night
$99/night
$159/night
$127.50/night
$125/night
$99/night
Rental Rooms
Union South (3/20-3/22)
Memorial Union (3/13-3/15)
Grainger
Orpheum
$1000/weekend
$1000/weekend
- - -
$3000/day
$1000/weekend
$1000/weekend
- - -
$3000/day
$1000/weekend
$1000/weekend
- - -
$3000/day
Catering
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
$1485($4.95/person)
$2685($8.95/person)
$5685($18.95/person)
$2385($7.95/person)
$3450($11.50/person)
$6885($22.95/person)
$2550($8.50/person)
$3885($12.95/person)
$8685(28.95/person)
Late Entertainment
Segredo
Bowling
Rock Climbing
Bar minimum
$6 with shoes
$4.55
Bar minimum
$6 with shoes
$4.55
Bar minimum
$6 with shoes
$4.55
Marketing
Program Booklets
T-Shirts
Nametags
Other Promotions
$50
$1500($5.00/person)
$30
$50
$80
$2400($8.00/person)
$50
$100
$110
$3900($13.00/person)
$60
$120
Potential Funding Source
MSC (Multicultural Student Cultural)
Southeast Asian Student Advising
Services
ASM (Associated Student of Madison)
Wisconsin Experience Grant
Assembly of International Students
LGBT Campus Center
Office of Provost
Academic Advancement Program (APP)
Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD)
Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
Vietnamese Restaurants and Community
- - -
- - -
Up to $15,000
Up to $2,000
Up to $500
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Up to $500
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Up to $15,000
Up to $2,000
Up to $500
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Up to $500
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Up to $15,000
Up to $2,000
Up to 500
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Up to $500
- - -
- - -

Potential Fundraising for CPP
VIA-1’s Roulette of Doom
The top 8 individuals who raise the most donations will be chosen to participate in the
VIA-1’s Roulette of Doom. The top 8 individuals will spin the Roulette of Doom during
the banquet in front of everyone. The choices on the Roulette of Doom will have
challenges, punishments, or rewards. The choices ranges from dying the contestants’
hair pink, shaving an eyebrow, donating money to CPP under the contestants’ name,
physical challenges, and so on (subject to change).
Plunge into the Lake Mendota
Plunge into Lake Mendota. In Madison, the annual Polar Plunge attracts about 2,400
people a year. This year the top 8 individual will have the opportunity to raise money for
a good cause in CPP. During the event when the top 8 individuals will jump in,
donations would be accepted so more money would go towards CPP. Safety
precautions will be taken into account.
Pie in the Face
“Pie in the Face.” During the last day, attendees will have a chance to pie the winners
for $2-3 to raise additional money for CPP. It will be a great opportunity to raise money
and fun for everyone at the conference. The individual that raise the most money will be
crowned the Pie Champion.
Dunk Tank
Dunk Tank. All the top 8 individuals will be in a Dunk Tank during the last day of the
conference. The Dunk Tank will be set up outside. All proceeds will go towards CPP. It
will be a great opportunity to showcase courage and fun for everyone.

Potential Keynote Speakers
Dan Huynh
Former President of UNAVSA
Dan Huynh was the former president of the Union of North American Vietnamese
Student Associations (UNAVSA). Huynh began his involvement with the Vietnamese-
American youth community during his sophomore year of college. Since then, he has
discovered a new sense of identity grounded in his Vietnamese heritage and has spent
the following years working with and giving back to that same community. He previously
served as president of the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Midwest
(UVSA-MW), helping guide the organization through its first two years of inception. Prior
to this, he served as the president of the Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota
(VSAM). Mr. Huynh is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas, where he earned
his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Management.
Dat Nguyen
Former Dallas Cowboys Football Player
Dat Nguyen is a former Texas A&M All-American linebacker and the 1998 Lombardi
and Bednarik Award winner. He was named the inside linebackers coach on February
13, 2010. His intelligence, knowledge and passion for the game are what impressed
many viewers of football. During his illustrious career as a linebacker in the NFL for
seven seasons he achieved many awards and honors. He is the first Vietnamese-
American to play in the NFL, and was recognized as an All-Pro. In 2004, he was
awarded a Golden Torch Award at the Vietnamese American National Gala in
Washington, D.C. He is a major inspiration to many Vietnamese-Americans today.
Aimee Phan
Author of “We Should Never Meet”
Chair of Writing and Literature at California School of the Arts
Aimee Phan is a Vietnamese-American author. She was born and raised in Orange
County, California. She received her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where she
won a Maytag Fellowship. Her first novel, We Should Never Meet, was named a
Notable Book by the Kiriyama Prize in fiction and a finalist for the 2005 Asian American
Literary Awards. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Virginia Quarterly
Review, USA Today and The Oregonian. She has worked as an Assistant Professor in
English at Washington State University from Fall 2005 to Summer 2007, and now works
at California College of the Arts.

Joseph Cao
Former U.S. Congressman
Anh “Joseph” Quang Cao is the first Vietnamese American to serve in Congress from
2009 to 2011. Born in Saigon, Anh Cao travelled to the United States with his family
when he was eight years old in 1975. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree
in physics at Baylor University and followed with a Master of Arts in philosophy from
Fordham University in New York City and J.D. from Loyola University School of Law in
New Orleans. Anh Cao’s integrity and toughness has earned him numerous awards
including Exemplary Leadership Award given by the Speaker of the House, Nancy
Pelosi, and Activism and Fairness Award given by USPA ACC.
Michelle Phan
Entrepreneur, Video Make-Up Artist
Michelle Phan is a Vietnamese-American make-up demonstrator and entrepreneur who
became notable as a YouTube celebrity. Phan's YouTube channel has over 6 million
subscribers and she has uploaded over 300 videos. Legendary luxury beauty brand,
Lancôme, tapped her as an official online makeup artist, while publications like Vogue,
Vanity Fair, Nylon, Forbes and Seventeen profiled her. Recognized as the #1 YouTube
“Beauty Guru,” Michelle is 2nd most subscribed female, with over 4.6 million
subscribers.
Hoan Do
Motivational Speaker
Hoan Do is a student success coach, author, and motivational speaker who has risen to
become nationally recognized among many distinguished audiences including Bank of
America, Honda, Chambers of Commerce and the U.S. Army. Do currently travels
around North America speaking at colleges, high schools, and associations to share
practical advice in helping students succeed in school, as well as in the real world.
Phil Yu
Angry Asian Man
Phil Yu is the founder, editor, and primary blogger of Angry Asian Man which explores
the struggles and issues of acceptance as Asian Americans. After over thirteen years,
his blog has become popular in discussing these problems, often with comic
exaggeration, as sometimes, it was the only way to make these issues open and
approachable.

Potential Workshops
Professional Development
Possibly: Khanh Vu
Khanh and his family immigrated to the USA from Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict.
His family found their way to Colorado. Vu graduated from the Colorado School of
Mines with a degree in chemical engineering and 3 minors: McBride Honors Program in
Public Affairs, Latin American Specialization and Environmental Science. Vu joined
Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE) full time as the Executive Director in
late 2011. He oversaw the doubling of the collegiate chapters and tripling its
membership during his 1st year tenure with SASE. He looks forward to growing SASE
to its full potential.
Personal Development
Possibly: Fong Tran
Twenty-six year old Vietnamese spoken word artist and community leader, Fong Tran,
is a powerful voice of social activism and poetry. He recently served as the keynote
speaker for the first graduating class of the Southeast Asian major at University of
California, Irvine and has led workshops and performed at conferences all over the
states. In addition to this, the UC Berkeley community leader and graduate, known
fondly in his community as Fong “Batman” Tran, has found his home base at UC Davis
not only as a graduate student, but also as their Cross Cultural Center program advisor,
spearheading programs promoting youth mentorship and minority advancement.
Organizational Development
Possibly: Dan Huynh
Dan Huynh was the former president of the Union of North American Vietnamese
Student Associations (UNAVSA). Huynh began his involvement with the Vietnamese-
American youth community during his sophomore year of college. Since then, he has
discovered a new sense of identity grounded in his Vietnamese heritage and has spent
the following years working with and giving back to that same community. He previously
served as president of the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Midwest
(UVSA-MW), helping guide the organization through its first two years of inception. Prior
to this, he served as the president of the Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota
(VSAM). Mr. Huynh is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas, where he earned
his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Management.

Motivational Speaker
Possibly: Hoan Do
Hoan Do is a student success coach, author, and motivational speaker who has risen to
become nationally recognized among many distinguished audiences including Bank of
America, Honda, Chambers of Commerce and the U.S. Army. Do currently travels
around North America speaking at colleges, high schools, and associations to share
practical advice in helping students succeed in school, as well as in the real world.
Using Technology to Strengthen an Organization
For example: presentations; communication; fostering connections – networking;
advertising yourself, or the organization
The Modern Day Workforce
For example: what employers look for; how to make yourself stand out; how diversity
plays into the work environment
Storytelling and Literature
For example: professor to talk/lead; how stories are passed from generations; how we
are depicted in literature; how history has shaped how/what/who we are today
Arts and crafts
For example: making a rice paddy hat; making crafts like a demo; art history; how
people see Vietnamese art; clothing of Vietnam; Tết decorations
Cooking
Possibly: Christine Hà
Christine Hà is an American chef and writer from Houston, Texas. She was the first
blind contestant of Master Chef and the winner of its third season in 2012.
For example: storytelling through cooking; make types of foods like fried rice, dumplings
or other traditional foods; being a foodie; food dishes in different regions of Vietnam
Dance
Possibly: Phi Long Lion Dancing
For example: Lion Dancing history: the meaning behind the man in mask and the
mystical beast; dance class

Religion
For example: professor talking about historical movements of religion in different areas;
the integration of religion and conversion in different generations
Style and Beauty
Possibly: Michelle Phan
For example: presentation differences across cultures; liberality of dress;
professionalism

Potential Entertainment
Minh Tran
Dancer
http:www.mtdance.org
Cathy Nguyen
Singer
https://www.youtube.com/user/lilcdawg
Fong Tran
Spoken Word Artist
https://www.youtube.com/user/fongbatman
Kavi Vu
Spoken Word Artist
http://www.kavivu.com
First Wave
Spoken Word Artists
http://omai.wisc.edu
Jenni Vo Le
Spoken Word Artist
http://www.jennifervole.com
Wong Fu Productions
Video, New Age
http://wongfuproductions.com

Itinerary
Friday
4:00PM-10:00PM Registration & Check-In
7:00PM-8:30PM
Welcoming Ceremony (Family
Programing)
8:30PM-10:00PM Dinner with Families
10:30PM-12:00AM Culture Competition
Saturday
7:00AM-9:50AM Breakfast & Late Registration/Check-In
9:00AM-10:00AM Opening Ceremony/Keynote Speaker
10:00AM-10:30AM Ice Breaker/Meet & Greet
10:40AM-11:30AM 1st
Session Workshops
11:40AM-12:30PM 2nd
Session Workshops
12:40PM-1:40PM Lunch with Families
1:50PM-2:40PM 3rd
Session Workshops
2:50PM-4:30 PM State Representatives Elections
4:30PM-4:40PM CPP Presentation
4:40PM-4:50PM UNAVSA Presentation
4:50PM-5:00PM Closing Announcements
5:00PM-7:00PM Break
7:00PM-10:00PM Banquet
10:00PM-2:00AM Late Night Activities
Sunday
7:00AM-10:00AM Breakfast
11:00AM-12:00AM Closing Ceremony/Group Photos
11:00AM-12:00PM CPP Fundraiser

Time Period Action List
August
 Finalizing letter templates of sponsorship (for local businesses, for
college departments)
 Brainstorm workshop and the other UW-Madison arrangements
September
 Finalizing letter templates for invitations (workshop and keynote
speakers)
 Find potential entertainment, workshop speakers, and keynote
speakers
October
 Finalize the majority of our funding and push for funding from local
businesses (for logo on program, for lunch, for small donations for
marketing)
 Secure the entertainment and banquet facility
 Communicate via email or phone with potential keynote/workshop
speakers
 Prepare the conference booklet
November
 Staff Retreat/2 days
 Finalize the t-shirt design
 Formulate concrete contracts with the keynote/workshop speakers
 Prepare the brochure template for the conference
 Brainstorming marketing ideas, mediums, and materials
December
 Finalize the workshop and keynote speakers by having signed
contracts
 Finalize the contracts of the entertainment and banquet facility
January
 Website should be well organized and completed with registration
information
 Advocate and promote the conference through extensive marketing
plans
 Organize and finalize workshops and contracts for everything
 Secure and finalize all sponsorships
February
 Staff Retreat/2 days
 Registration launch
 Finalize the booklet
 Continue marketing VIA-1
 Organize all conference materials
March
 Re-confirm with all of the speakers, partners, and facilities
 Check with all the VIA-1 staff members
 VIA-1 launch!
Timeline

Partnerships
Student and Community Organizations
Korean American Students Association (KASA)
Asian American Student Association (AASU)
Assembly of International Students (AIS)
Vietnam Health Project (VHP)
Southeast Asian American Student Academic Services (SEAASAS)
Associated Students of Madison (ASM)
Multicultural Student Center (MSC)
Laos Cambodian Student Association (LCSA)

List of Proposed Staff
Tyson Banh, Co-Executive Director
Daniel Banh, Co-Executive Director
Jason Le, Director
Kim Chung, Director
Tyler Banh, Director
Andy Pham, Director
Jason Victor, Director
Sarah Tran, Director
Tien Tran, Staff
Kayla Schmeling, Staff
Angie Ngo, Staff
Mafia Yang, Staff
Ken Vivero, Staff
Joann Huynh, Staff
Thuy Dan Tran, Staff
Danh Mai, Staff
Pauline Ngo, Staff
Tu-Anh Le, Staff
Jen Le, Staff
David Ho, Staff
Kevin Nguyen, Staff
Trung Nguyen, Staff

Biographies
Tien Tran
My name is Tien Tran. I was born and raised in Vietnam up until I was 16 and moved to
America. Currently, I am majoring in Mathematics at UW-Madison. I am also the current
President of the Vietnamese Student Association at UW – Madison. Joining VSA has
made my college experience more meaningful in many ways. I enjoy learning about the
Vietnamese culture and help promoting diversity on campus. During my free time, I like
spending time with my siblings, take pictures and watch Korean dramas.
Tyson Banh
I am a 4th
year student at the University of Wisconsin studying Graphic Design and
Asian American Studies. In my years at UW-Madison, I have served many leadership
positions including President and Historian of VSA, Multimedia Staff of UVSA Midwest,
and Treasurer of Vietnam Health Project. My interest in Vietnamese culture stems from
my continual search of identity and making an impact as a leader. Outside of academics
and extra-curricular activities, I enjoy playing tennis and weightlifting. I am an enthusiast
and hobbyist and an aspiring photographer who’s continually searching for new ideas to
create stories with just a single click of the shutter.
Daniel Banh
My name is Daniel Banh and I am currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin –
Madison majoring in Medical Microbiology and Immunology with a certificate in Global
Health. Through my experiences here at UW-Madison, I have grown an appreciation for
the ample opportunities beyond the classroom. These opportunities have allowed me to
gain different perspectives on what leadership is and how it can be utilized. One of the
most rewarding aspects of coming to UW has been finding diverse individuals that seek
to reach goals similar to mine. The cultivation of our unique experiences has helped us
create a culturally competent environment in which we can all improve upon one
another. Now with the help of those people, I have been able to do things from
becoming a family leader at VIA-1, to starting a Society of Asian Scientists and
Engineers chapter in Madison.
Jason Le
I have been an active member of VSA-Madison for the last two years. During the last
academic term, I was the treasurer of the organization. Being on the VSA board has
changed my life. It influenced me to be kind and supportive of the new members by
encouraging them. I grew to have a deeper appreciation for VSA, the member, our
mission, and Vietnamese culture. During VIA-1, I could see that we all have great pride
in our VSA’s, as the more we put in the more we got back. I gave everything I had. That
is why I believe that the next VIA-1 conference should be at the University of Wisconsin-
Madison, because I believe that we have some of the strongest leaders in Madison.

Kayla Schmeling
My name is Kayla Schmeling and I am a 19 year old junior at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. After being adopted from Vietnam, I grew up in the beautiful city of
Milwaukee with my parents and adoptive sister. My childhood was filled with wonderful
memories of summers in the sun, ballet classes and countless books. I began my
education in a Spanish immersion elementary school, which fostered my love for
languages. After graduating high school from the Milwaukee School of Languages, I
chose to continue my education at UW-Madison. Here, I have continued to study the
things that I am most passionate about: language and communication. My first two
years here at Madison have been absolutely life changing and I am more than excited
for what the next two years will bring. Becoming a part of the Vietnamese Student
Association on campus was one of the best decisions I've made here in Madison. The
members of the UW-Madison Vietnamese Student Associations have become the
Vietnamese family I never had. This organization has brought me so many new
opportunities and has allowed me to learn an incredible amount about my native culture
and country. For all of these reasons, I have chosen to play an active role in VSA as last
year's Secretary and this year's Vice-President. Although I am not sure where my path
will lead me, I know that I will always remember the great times I've had with VSA
during my undergraduate career here at UW.
Andy Pham
Currently, I am on the Council of State Representatives for the Union of Vietnamese
Student Associations of the Midwest, representing the state of Wisconsin. I was born in
Vietnam, and my family immigrated to Illinois. Even though I was raised in the United
States, I was heavily influenced by the traditional Vietnamese culture within my family,
and I was able to retain some of the culture by having the ability to speak Vietnamese
fluently along with understanding the importance of respect and family. The curiosity
about my own culture grew, which lead me to the Vietnamese Student Association. VSA
welcomed me with open arms and challenged me to become a benevolent leader. I
want VSA to continue to grow and be successful by help maintaining its roots along with
pursuing its higher goals.
Kim Chung
My name is Kim Chung. I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. I will be a
sophomore, pursuing Biomedical Engineering and Neurobiology majors at the
University of Wisconsin - Madison. The first and only student organization I was
convinced on joining was the Vietnamese Student Association. Having gone to Tet as
well as other events hosted by VSA growing up as a little girl, I looked up too all the
'anh' and 'chi' who demonstrated their leadership skills both at school and in the
community. Throughout my first year, I actively participated in VSA's events as well as
have been given the opportunity to join the IT Staff for the 12th Annual VIA-1
Conference. The combination of indescribable experiences and memories have
persuaded me to take up a leadership role as Treasurer on VSA Board this year. As I
continue my college career, I hope to further my participation in VSA as the organization
itself grows and flourishes to greater potentials.

Mafia Yang
I am a 5th
year senior attending the University of Wisconsin -Madison. I am majoring in
Graphic Design and painting. After I finish my undergrad, I’m planning to obtain my
Masters. I grew up in the heart of Detroit, MI. I was deeply inspired by the culture
context when I lived in Detroit. My hobbies are painting, basketball, and video games.

Resumes

Final Remarks
On behalf of the Vietnamese Student Association at the University of Wisconsin –
Madison, we would like to thank UVSA Midwest and the committees looking at this
packet for the time, effort and dedication in deciding the next host school for the 13th
Annual Vietnamese Interacting as One Conference.
We are excited to begin the planning process and look forward to working closely with
UVSA Midwest. We understand that there are many schools that are qualified to host
the next VIA-1 and we are honored to be able to work with student leaders in hopes to
build a community that enriches our culture.
VSA UW

VIA-1 Proposal Packet UW-Madison

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