2013-2014 VSS Executive Team will consist of 7 positions:
- 3 Events Coordinators
- President
- Promotions Coordinator
- VP Administration
- VP External
Here are the 9 candidates and their top 2 applied positions (in alphabetical order by last names):
1. Van Dang
Position(s) Running – VP Admin, Events Coordinator
“After two years with VSS, I have seen the club growing in terms of promoting connections between Canadian-born Vietnamese and Vietnamese culture, VSS and on-campus clubs as well as other Vietnamese groups (SFU VSA, SEACHS). For the past year, I have been handling administrative work with AMS for VSS as the Treasurer/Secretary. Through my involvement with the club, I have met many friends from different cultural backgrounds, received academic and emotional support along with developed a stronger bond with my Vietnamese root. I would love to, once again, be part of the executive team to continue helping VSS reach out to people who are interested in learning about our culture.”
2. Vicky Mai
Position(s) Running – VP Admin, VP External
“Since joining VSS, I have met so many amazing people! I feel like I am part of a community that accepts me without judgment (and showers me with so much welcome!). I would love to be more intimately involved in VSS, and contribute skills that I have developed thus far. I’d love to play a larger role in nurturing the sense of community that we have here so that others can experience it as well. Individually, I am currently running uniform logistics and being trained to become the Divisional Administrative Officer. My job involves forms, checklists, orders, meeting minutes, funding allocation, audits, and inventories. I’ve gained a lot of experiences in my training, and believe I can apply what I’ve learned there to VSS. Focus, dedication, and communication are some assets that I value and strive to improve myself in all aspects of my life.”
3. Han Nguyen
Position(s) Running – Events Coordinator
“It was my pleasure working with the executives for the past year. I have had lots of fun a new experience while helping each other overcome the hardship and problems. I would like to stay on the new team and continue to contribute to this club. My past experiences include planning and organizing, promoting & marketing, communication. My goal for the next year is to expand the membership base and promote VSS.”
4. Khanh Nguyen
Position(s) Running – VP External, Events Coordinator
“My name is Khanh, a second year UBC student. Having grown up in Vietnam, I can proudly proclaim my love for Vietnamese culture and Vietnamese food (Pho FTW!), thus want to able to share this passion with anyone on campus. The past two years with VSS have been a blast for me, and I would love to continue being involved in this endeavor with the team next year. I have not much to brag about really, but there’s something I can promise to deliver: dedication and enthusiasm. And if you’re into Vietnamese language, don’t hesitate to contact me.”
5. Stephanie Nguyen
Position(s) Running – Events Coordinator, Promotions Coordinator
“In Calgary, I was very involved in the Vietnamese community around the city through volunteering at many events held by the UofC VSS or the Calgary Vietnamese Youth Association. This would be a good way for me continue to keep in touch with my heritage while also sharing it with other people. I have a background in art and design, allowing me to see problems and solutions with a design perspective. I am currently the Acting President of the UBC K-Wave club, formerly Head of Social Media. I brought in weekly events along with major monthly themed events to add on to the existing annual events allowing for more chances for participation and the development of a sense of community within the club. Through networking with other clubs/organisations I was able plan bigger collaborative events and several cultural performance opportunities for our members. I also design individualized logos and posters for each major event.”
6. Tri Nguyen
Position(s) Running – VP External, Event Coordinator
“Having talked to many people in UBC, sometimes we ended up discussing about Vietnam and I was surprised by how people thought about the country as a poor and underdeveloped nation. As one of a few native Vietnamese students in UBC, I think it is time for me to take the responsibility for fostering better understanding about Vietnam in UBC. Through my involvement with the International Student Association of Sauder as the First Year Representative, I have developed the skills of event organisation and marketing. With the goal of changing people’s perspective about Vietnam, I started with promoting Vietnamese culture about the Viet Sub Fundraiser, SEAfood Night and Salad Roll Night at the personal level. So why not take it to another level and reach out to a bigger audience?”
7. James Timperley
Position(s) Running – President
Hi there, I’m James! I’m half-Vietnamese and half-English and I love this club. As Vice-President and President, after helping to rebuild membership over the last two years, VSS is growing strong. We have been able to branch out in the Vietnamese community, as well as on campus. As President, I want to help provide this amazing community of people with everything it needs to flourish. Whether it be socials, sports, cultural events, community service, advocacy…you and I will have a blast!
8. Michelle Tran
Position(s) Running – VP External, Events Coordinator
“I am proud to be Vietnamese and I want others share in my pride! Prior to meeting the founder of UBC VSS, the other lovely Michelle Tran, I had no motivation to immerse myself in Vietnamese culture and surround myself with Vietnamese people, because of the infamous negative stereotype. Attending Len Duong and meeting all the motivated Vietnamese youth was an eye opener. VSS is like family to me now and I want to help expand this family. In addition to attending LD leadership camp, I’ve also had prior experience as the UBC Undergraduate Research Opportunities Club VP external. I am a committed, motivated, and fun-loving person. I can make positive contributions to the sure-to-be amazing executive team to bring together Vietnamese people (and Vietnamese culture loving people) to events so we can learn from each other, learn together and motivate each other to be the best we can be.”
9. Viet Vu
Position(s) Running – Events Coordinator, VP Admin
“Throughout the course of this year and last year, I saw the huge level of dedication that the current group of students has brought to the VSS, substantially reviving and growing the society during the past two years. I was inspired and I want to be a part of this moment, to perpetuate this momentum and to help bring VSS not to become a stronger organization but to become a warm home that welcomes all those who likes to stop by and have a glass of trà đá. I have had extensive experiences coordinating different events at UBC and otherwise, have outstanding understanding of the details and the process required in planning an event. These skills, with my unique understanding of global culture connectedness as well as my heavy involvement with student politics will ensure that I am a fair and strong representative of the group.”