Vietnamese Community Events in Illinois

Attorney Nguyen graduated from Michigan State College of Law and practices in the field of taxation, immigration, and criminal defense. Colin is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois and Michigan. He prides himself on his relentless work ethic and ability to work with others. He is a Vietnamese-American attorney and is fluent in English and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt). You can reach him at [email protected] or (773) 231-7573.

Tina Tran (known to her close friends as Ty) is a second-generation Vietnamese American. As an ardent social justice advocate, Tina is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and affirming legal support and advocacy to people of all backgrounds and circumstances. She prides herself on giving her clients the fresh start they deserve, whether that be through filing for Bankruptcy, or through the Expungement and Sealing of criminal records. Tina grew up in the California Bay Area, and she learned early on about the wide discrepancies between people of different economic or racial backgrounds and their access to the legal system. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she studied Philosophy and Spanish, then went on to receive her Juris Doctorate degree and Certificate in Advocacy from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Upon relocating to Chicago, Illinois, Tina first spent a year in the North Lawndale neighborhood co-teaching and running after-school programs for underprivileged and low-income students. While attending law school, Tina became very involved with Cabrini Green Legal Aid, where she represented clients in petitioning for Clemency and applying for Health Care Waivers, as well as those petitioning for Expungements and Sealing of criminal records. Tina has a lengthy background in the area of Criminal Defense, and she has volunteered as an interpreter for Vietnamese-speaking Immigration clients.

Founded in 1983, the Vietnamese Student Association represents a longstanding commitment to cultural preservation and community building at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. As a student-led organization, VSA has spent decades creating meaningful connections among students while honoring Vietnamese heritage and fostering appreciation for Asian American cultures. At its core, VSA strives to establish a supportive environment where individuals of Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese descent can come together to interact, learn, and celebrate shared cultural values. The organization recognizes that cultural awareness strengthens communities, and it actively works to build bridges between students from diverse backgrounds through thoughtfully planned events and activities throughout the Champaign area. VSA's mission extends beyond the university walls. The organization is deeply invested in supporting the broader Vietnamese American student community by maintaining active involvement with regional and national networks. Through partnerships with the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Midwest and other affiliated groups, VSA contributes to a larger movement of cultural preservation and mutual support among Vietnamese American students across North America. The organization also plays an important role in strengthening the campus's Asian Pacific Islander American community. By collaborating with other APIA organizations and supporting initiatives like the Asian Pacific American Coalition, VSA demonstrates its commitment to intersectional community building and solidarity. Open to everyone interested in learning about or sharing Vietnamese culture, VSA welcomes students of all backgrounds to join its growing community. Members enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts from local partners, creating tangible value alongside the deeper rewards of cultural connection and lifelong friendships forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.

Since its establishment in 1976, the Vietnamese Association of Illinois has grown into a vital community institution serving Chicago, IL with a steadfast commitment to unity, mutual assistance, and cultural preservation. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, VAI's mission centers on fostering stronger relationships among Vietnamese Americans while welcoming and supporting people of all ethnicities and religious backgrounds. The organization was founded on the principle of mutual assistance spirit—the belief that community members thrive when they support one another through life's transitions and challenges. Over nearly five decades, VAI has touched the lives of thousands of Vietnamese Americans and members of other ethnic communities, helping families navigate resettlement, secure employment, access healthcare, pursue educational goals, and maintain their cultural identity. What distinguishes VAI is its holistic approach to community development, addressing not just immediate needs but also long-term integration and success. The organization recognizes that thriving communities require attention to youth development, senior care, business entrepreneurship, and cultural continuity across generations. By expanding from its original Uptown Chicago base to establish a DuPage County satellite office in 2016, VAI demonstrates its commitment to serving the broader Illinois Vietnamese American community. The organization actively collaborates with other Vietnamese groups and community partners, strengthening networks of support and advocacy. VAI's work reflects a deep understanding that cultural heritage, community solidarity, and practical assistance are interconnected—each essential to building vibrant, resilient communities in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Founded in 2007, the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Midwest (UVSA-Midwest) represents a vital community resource for Vietnamese-American students and youth organizations throughout the Midwest, with headquarters in Lincolnwood, IL. This non-partisan, community-based organization emerged from a vision to unite Vietnamese youth across the region, creating a supportive ecosystem where emerging leaders could connect, learn, and grow together. At its core, UVSA-Midwest is driven by four fundamental pillars: Community, Leadership, Activism, and Philanthropy. These values are reflected in every initiative, from regional conferences to the Collective Philanthropy Project, which channels the collective power of Vietnamese student associations toward meaningful social change. The organization celebrates its geographic position in the heartland of America, where members travel significant distances—sometimes over 13 hours—to gather and support one another, embodying a deep commitment to community solidarity. UVSA-Midwest serves as more than just a networking platform; it is a cultural guardian and advocate for the Vietnamese-American community. By providing resources for personal and professional development, organizing cultural awareness programming, and facilitating social advocacy on issues affecting Vietnamese communities, UVSA-Midwest empowers the next generation of community leaders. The organization's recent rebranding initiative, symbolized by its lotus logo, represents the organization's evolution and its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive community for Vietnamese, Vietnamese-American, and Vietnamese-interest students across the Midwest and beyond.