Vinh is one of just eight individuals from across the country to be selected to this board whose role is to advise US refugee policies. In addition to engaging with key international non-governmental organizations, USRAB will work in collaboration with other refugee-led initiatives, including Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the Table (R-SEAT).

Launched in partnership with Refugee Congress, Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), and Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM), the Refugee Advisory Council is one way the US is working to empower those with direct lived experience in forced displacement and ensure that they have a strong voice in policies affecting them.

Vinh Nguyen’s official bio for the USRAB says “he was born in Sai Gon, Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War in the early 1960s. Growing up in a family of ten brothers and sisters, Vinh developed a strong sense of collaboration for success and helping others at a young age. In summer 1981, his parents decided to have him escape from Vietnam to seek freedom and opportunities for his future. He was smuggled out of Vietnam along with another 134 Vietnamese, on a tiny and not even seaworthy boat. Their boat was fortunate enough to finally be saved by an oil tanker, and they were sent to a refugee camp in Thailand. He later was accepted by the United States and resettled in Des Moines, IA. With no English language skills, he found many difficulties in adjusting to his new life in America. He worked hard to learn English and was fortunate enough to be in the education field over the last thirty-five years.”

Those who know Vinh know these words cannot capture all of his story, or the amazing asset his perspective provides to LSI, and now to the USRAB. Join us in congratulating Vinh on this amazing honor!