Michelle Q Pham (left), incoming president, Karin Phu, Board Memeber
and Binh Nguyen, president
by Julie Pham
VABAW, 9th annual gala Oct. 22, Triple Door, about 120 people came, theme “Redefine Tradition” , raise money for Hong Duc scholarship
Kim Tran, winner of the president award.
“Very honored and humbled. I served on the VABAW board in 2007. Back then, we had a vision, a dream of what it could be and now we’ve realized that dream. It’s wonderful to see. I’m interested in having a judicial career. It’s important to have judges from different perspectives, the perspective of an advocate. We need the bench (the judge’s chair) to reflect our community.”
Michelle Pham, incoming president
“Kim has done a lot of great work in the community, started a diversity conference. W want to recognize her for her work and efforts.”
Wendy Duong
“This is the second time I am a speaker for VABAW. The first time I came here was in 2007. This year’s theme is about redefining traditon, but you have to understand your tradition before you can redefine it. The ultimate goal is to have the best of both worlds. As requested by VABAW president elect, I will also give advice to younger lawyers on how to build a legal career.”
” Law is my profession, art is my vocation.” “My only inheritance from my parents is my love for learning (nói tóm lại, gìn giữ truyền thống để định nghĩa lại truyền thống tức là giữ lại ý niệm: Noi gương và không thua kém tiền nhân)”
Binh Nguyen, president
This year we tried to focus on projects that were closer to the interest of the board members and to create a stronger structure for the government. We are focusing on where we can have the greatest impact.”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: WENDY NICOLE DUONG
Ms. Duong is a former Magistrate Judge for the State of Texas, 2011-2012 US Fulbright Scholar, law professor at the University of Denver, and award-winning author and artist. She spent 18 years as a federal litigator and currently owns her own boutique law firm handling a multi-jurisdictional and international offshore practice.
ENTERTAINMENT
The return of the Fashion Show by noted designer Thai Nguyen, featuring the modern interpretation of the traditional Vietnamese “Ao Dai.” Mr. Nguyen is a former designer for BCBG Max Azria, finalist on Bravo’s “Launch My Line,” and designer of choice for prominent Vietnamese entertainment production companies. His company, Thai Nguyen Couture, offers romantic and ethereal designs inspired by his Vietnamese heritage.
2013 PRESIDENT’S AWARD RECIPIENT: KIM TRAN
Ms. Tran is a VABAW luminary who exemplifies dedication to the profession and the community. VABAW is inspired by Ms. Tran’s work, leadership, and is proud to honor her at this year’s banquet.
2013 HONG DUC CLERK: OANH LE HOANG
This year’s Hồng Đức Clerk is Oanh Le Hoang, a student at the University of Washington. Le spent her 2013 summer at Hogan Lovells in their Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, office. Prior to starting law school, Le worked as an intern, technical analyst, and, eventually, a client service associate at Russell Investments where she helped translate investment documents to and from Vietnamese. She is fluent in Vietnamese and has a strong connection to the Seattle community.
(www.nvnorthwest.com)
