We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nhu Quynh Tran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nhu Quynh, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission to unite the Vietnamese community is driven by both a deep respect for our past and a commitment to shaping a brighter future. The Vietnamese community in Memphis was born from the courage and resilience of refugees who fled the fall of Saigon in 1975. Arriving here in the early 1980s, these brave individuals had to rebuild their lives in an unfamiliar land. Despite their hardships, they founded a community grounded in hope, strength, and perseverance.
As I became more involved, I noticed a growing disconnection between the younger generation and the elders who had been leading and guiding our community for decades. While the elders had created the foundation, some younger members felt isolated, struggling to find their place within the community. One conversation with a young girl particularly struck me. She spoke of how she and her friends felt left out when she saw other communities, like the Hispanic community, celebrating their cultural events—full of fun, joy, and togetherness. At that time, the Vietnamese community wasn’t organizing many activities, leaving her feeling alone, disconnected, and without a sense of belonging.
Her words were a wake-up call. It became clear that we needed to bridge the gap not just between cultures but also between generations within our own community. I want to show the younger generation that Vietnamese culture is just as vibrant and exciting as any other. More importantly, I want to create opportunities for them to feel proud of who they are and where they come from.
To make this a reality, we organized the Asian Night Market and expanded our Lunar New Year celebrations. These events are meant to show that Vietnamese culture is alive, thriving, and worth celebrating—both within our community and beyond. My goal is to foster unity, where the younger generation feels connected to the heritage our elders fought so hard to preserve and where our elders see that their efforts have created something that will continue to flourish.
By bringing our community together, I hope to build a future where every member—young and old—feels proud to be Vietnamese and proud to call Memphis home.
Nhu Quynh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I hold two master’s degrees and a Ph.D., which reflect my dedication to continuous learning and my passion for scientific discovery. My career journey has led me to my current role as a Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Here, I contribute to life-changing research, applying bioinformatics and machine learning techniques to classify tumors, helping advance pediatric cancer research. My work allows me to make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine, which aligns with my personal drive for discovery and innovation.
Beyond my professional life, I am deeply committed to community work. A year ago, I was recruited to serve as President of the Vietnamese American Community (VAC). This role came at a crucial time when the community expressed a strong desire for change and a transition to younger leadership. The Vietnamese community in Memphis has a rich history, but over time, many felt a sense of disconnect, especially among the younger generation. This divide motivated me to step into this leadership position, with the vision to bridge these gaps and foster a stronger sense of unity and cultural pride.
My vision for the Vietnamese American Community is centered on bringing people together. I believe in creating opportunities for our community to celebrate our heritage, while also addressing the concerns of younger members who often feel isolated or disconnected from their roots. Events like the Asian Night Market and the expansion of our Lunar New Year celebrations were initiatives I spearheaded to provide a platform for Vietnamese culture to thrive and to showcase the vibrant contributions of our community to the broader Memphis area. These events are not just about cultural expression; they are about showing the younger generation that our traditions are something to be proud of and celebrated.
Additionally, under the VAC initiative, we have launched the Vietnamese Professional Network (VPN), which aims to connect professionals from a variety of fields. This network is designed to provide mentorship and career guidance to new graduates and trainees, helping them navigate their career paths with support from experienced members of the community. We also established a Giving Back Fund within the VAC to give back to the community by helping those in need. The VPN, along with the Fund, also creates numerous volunteer opportunities, encouraging members to get involved and contribute to the growth and well-being of our community.
At the core of my work, both professionally and within the community is a deep sense of responsibility and pride. I strive to bring people together, whether through groundbreaking scientific research or through initiatives that foster cultural unity. I want the Vietnamese community, especially the younger generation, to feel connected, empowered, and proud of who they are. Through my leadership at VAC, I aim to build a strong foundation for future generations to continue our legacy of resilience, culture, and success.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation within the community has been shaped by several key qualities that others have recognized in me. My dedication and hard work are the foundation of everything I do, whether it’s in my professional role or my community leadership. People have described me as intelligent and empathetic, qualities that allow me to understand the needs of those around me and to approach challenges with both insight and compassion.
As a visionary, I have been able to bring energy and inspiration to the initiatives I lead. For example, I’ve been recognized as an advocate for the inclusion and celebration of Asian culture in the Mid-South, working tirelessly to build bridges and foster meaningful collaborations with the broader community. One of my most impactful efforts has been the creation of the United Asian American Initiative (UAAI). Through UAAI, I worked with leaders from various Asian communities to include them in the Asian Night Market, where they could showcase their culture and fundraise for their own communities. This initiative allowed us to create a unified front, celebrating our shared heritage while strengthening our individual communities.
I’ve also been described as an extraordinary community leader, and I think that stems from my passion for creating opportunities for others. Whether it’s through cultural events, professional networks, or volunteer opportunities, I aim to uplift the community, always working with love and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. It’s this combination of qualities—dedication, vision, empathy, and a genuine love for the community—that has helped me build my reputation as a leader who inspires and unites people.
Any advice for managing a team?
My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is rooted in empathy, clear communication, and leading by example. First and foremost, it’s essential to understand and respect each team member’s unique strengths, challenges, and perspectives. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and open communication, you create a space where everyone feels valued and heard.
I believe in setting a vision that inspires the team, much like how I’ve led community initiatives with a clear goal of uniting people and celebrating our shared successes. When people feel connected to a larger purpose, they are naturally more motivated and committed. It’s also important to recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way, which boosts morale and keeps the momentum going.
Maintaining high morale also requires transparency and trust. Keeping your word and demonstrating resilience, even in challenging times, sets the tone for the team. I find that when you lead with dedication and passion, others are inspired to do the same. And finally, I always encourage collaboration, ensuring that each person feels like a vital part of the process. When team members see their contributions making a difference, it builds both morale and a strong sense of ownership.
By combining these principles—empathy, clear vision, trust, and inclusivity—you can create a supportive and motivated team environment where everyone is empowered to give their best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vietmemphis.com
- Instagram: @vietmemphis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093302065546&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vacmemphis?si=nMApW-cP9OcX_pky
Image Credits
Jerry Adams is a VAC photographer and Media Production Specialist