In December 2010, AASuccess held its very first sustaining member program event to welcome potential and long-lasting AASuccess donors and allies. The event additionally informed the members about the importance of community involvement and showcased the milestones of AASuccess.
The objective of this dinner program, in which our Founder Dave Nguyen hosted, was to show how much our organization values our Sustaining Members and the new connections that we build. In addition to that, being a Sustaining Member would help with promoting their professional status, community involvement, along with assisting students in achieving their short-term and long-term goals. During the event, Chairman Mr. Scott Plein and Executive Director Ms. Khanh Mi Nguyen spoke to guests and had the chance to speak up about the significance of their involvement in AASuccess. Mai Ly, an AASuccess student, and member of the AASuccess finance team, also spoke about her experiences as a student who directly benefits from the addition of resources.
Here are some testimonials from our dedicated board member, Jim Alstrum-Acevedo:
What about AASuccess first sparked your interest in joining?
I attended a meeting of AASuccess in which one of the student members spoke. I had been told that the student who spoke had previously been very reluctant to speak publicly, so I was impressed by what I perceived to be the impact of AASuccess in providing this young person confidence and poise that enabled him to speak in front of a group of mostly strangers. At this point, I thought AASuccess had a good model and I was interested in seeing how I could help out.
How has your impression of our organization changed over the past? How do you think we have grown?
AASuccess has streamlined its processes over the years and has become more professional in the way in which it provides training in leadership and soft skills to our student members. It has also become well-known in the local Vietnamese community as an organization that is a community resource that strives to help where it can. I’m very optimistic about the impact AASuccess will continue to have in the future, especially when you consider that the students who graduate from our Life Skills Academy are proven leaders and active in their communities. AASuccess continues to disprove the notion that the “younger generation is not interested in civics or the broader community.” Young people want to make a positive impact on their communities and the world and AASuccess is giving them the tools they need to do just that.
How has AASuccess impacted you as an individual?
The impact of AASuccess on me has been to continually give me hope for the future of our community and country as the young people who come through the AASuccess doors are impressive individuals who are interested in helping others improve their lives. AASuccess is achieving its mission and I know the future will be in good hands.
Do you have any fond memories of the times you have been with us?
I really enjoy my memories of the different YouthCon events I’ve attended over the years. The students never fail to deliver a great event and to assume the challenge of leading and organizing such a big event. Additionally, I’m always impressed by the projects proposed by the YouthCon finalists. Each year I attend YouthCon I am impressed by what our young men and women, many of who are in high school or junior high school, accomplish. AASuccess is in good hands.
Looking into the future, AASuccess will continue to host events to further recognize and acknowledge sustaining members of AASuccess. The steady flow of support brought in by sponsors and members has allowed students to initiate community projects and assist in alleviating modern issues for many years. A big thank you to everyone who has been with us!
