American Dream – 50th Year Anniversary of Vietnamese Americans
April 30, 1975, marked a significant turning point in Vietnamese history. With the fall of Saigon and the unification of North and South Vietnam under Communist rule, countless South Vietnamese who opposed the new regime sought freedom beyond their homeland. The journey to America was often perilous, beginning with dramatic helicopter evacuations, perilous boat escapes, and years of hardship in re-education camps before eventual resettlement. Despite these challenges, Vietnamese refugees arrived in the United States with resilience, determination, and a desire to rebuild their lives. Fifty years later, the Vietnamese American community has not only survived but thrived, becoming an integral part of American society. From politics and the military to arts, entertainment, and finance, Vietnamese Americans have made remarkable contributions to the country that welcomed them.
Ann will discuss:
- The timeline of the Journey to America.
- Contribution to American Society: politics and government, military service, Business and Finance, Art and Entertainment.
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese Americans in the U.S., we reflect on the journey from hardship to triumph. The resilience, hard work, and contributions of this community have enriched America in countless ways. Looking ahead, the next generations will continue to shape the American Dream while preserving their cultural heritage.
Ann has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT- Illinois Tech and 14 years of corporate engineering experience at Motorola. Her second career is in real estate. She spent her first three years in residential real estate but found her passion in commercial real estate lease, sale and investment to help Asian American communities. Ann is the owner of Trandai Realty in Chicago, a commercial brokerage firm. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, she represents clients that are opening franchise restaurants, and nail salons and investing in strip shopping centers, hotels, and multifamily housing buildings, in 15 states. She is happily married to her husband of 33 years, and has three grown children. In addition to her career in real estate, Ann is the Secretary of the Vietnamese National Association Real Estate Professional (VNARP), on the Illinois Tech Alumni Board of Directors and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) – National Board of Directors.
Host: Ann Trandai