Gratitude to America: A Golden Night of Legacy, Resilience, and Vietnamese American Pride

4 min read

On May 31, 2025, over 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and community members gathered at the Saigon Grand Center in Fountain Valley, CA, for a once-in-a-generation event: Gratitude to America—a powerful tribute to 50 years of Vietnamese American resilience, innovation, and cultural pride.

Hosted by the Vietnamese American Business Association (VABA), in partnership with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and Asian Hustle Network, this milestone gala was not just an event—it was a living tribute. A tribute to the journey of a people who crossed oceans with hope, built legacies from nothing, and rose—together—with courage, creativity, and an unshakable sense of identity.

A Stage for Culture, Courage, and Connection

The evening opened with vibrant courtyard networking and acoustic music, before guests entered a ballroom alive with purpose.

Emmy-winning journalist Gia Vang and legendary entertainer Van Son guided us through a program layered with cultural beauty—from a delicate zither performance by Fei Fu, to a moving rendition of “Hello Vietnam” by Victoria Thuy Vi McDowell, to a vibrant performance by Southern Wind Lion Dance that brought strength and fortune into the space.

As dinner was served, live music, storytelling, and conversation filled the air—unifying generations and perspectives in shared pride.

David Duong: From Refugee to Trailblazer — Redefining the American Dream

One of the night’s most unforgettable moments came from keynote speaker David Duong, VABA Chairman and CEO of California Waste Solutions.

From refugee to industry leader, his journey is a powerful testament to what’s possible with vision, grit, and heart. “No dream is too far when it's driven by purpose,” he shared.

More than building a business, David has built a legacy—of opportunity, sustainability, and service. His story didn’t just inspire the room—it reminded us why we gathered.

Honoring Our Pioneers: The Shoulders We Stand On

At the heart of the evening was the Gratitude to America Award Ceremony, honoring Vietnamese American pioneers who paved the way for today’s success stories. These visionary founders came to America with nothing but a will to survive—and instead, they built empires of meaning.

Pioneer Honorees Included:

• Dame Kieu Chinh – Legendary actress and humanitarian, whose career and compassion have touched hearts on both sides of the Pacific.

• Tai Thu Duong & Duong Family – Founders of California Waste Solutions and champions of environmental innovation in the U.S. and Vietnam.

• To Van Lai & Family – Visionaries behind Paris By Night, the heartbeat of cultural preservation for Vietnamese around the world.

• Lap Tang – Developer of Vietnam Town and Grand Century Mall, whose legacy redefined economic empowerment in the diaspora.

Their lives are the blueprint of what’s possible when courage meets opportunity—and legacy meets love.

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Honoring the Builders of Our Legacy

The night also paid heartfelt tribute to 15 extraordinary individuals and organizations whose lives have elevated the Vietnamese American voice in business, politics, mental health, the arts, and beyond.

Meet the 2025 Honorees:

• Linh Hoang Nguyen – Pioneer of Accessible and Affordable Transportation in Vietnamese American Communities

  

• Tran Thai Van – Trailblazer in Vietnamese American Political Leadership and Civic Engagement

  

  Cuong Pham – Champion of Vietnamese Heritage Through Culinary Excellence    

  

• Paul Hoang – Champion for Mental Health Advocacy

  

• Le Ly Hayslip – Trailblazing Author and Humanitarian Bridging Cultures Through Story and Service  

  

• Jeannie Mai & Mama Mai – Generational Storytellers of Vietnamese American Culture and Identity  

  

• Scott Ly – Ambassador of Vietnamese Identity and Cultural Representation on the Global Screen 

  

• Dr. Michael Dao – Leader in Vietnamese American Healthcare and Philanthropy   

  

• Van Son Entertainment – Pioneer of Vietnamese American Entertainment and Cross-Cultural Comedy

  

• Thai Thanh & Ý Lan – Legendary Icons of Vietnamese Music and Intergenerational Cultural Legacy  

  

• Lan Vu – Champions of Vietnamese Digital Media and Cultural Storytelling  

  

• Chef Trong Nguyen – Pioneer of Viet-Cajun Cuisine and Vietnamese American Culinary Innovation

  

• Duc Pham – Innovator of Ready-to-Eat Vietnamese Cuisine and Culinary Heritage Preservation   

• Tue Nguyen – Rising Star in Vietnamese Cuisine and Digital Cultural Influence

  

• Bryan Pham – Empowering Asian Voices and Championing Entrepreneurial Excellence

  

A Legacy in Motion

Gratitude to America was more than an event—it was a collective celebration of culture, resilience, and leadership.

To our honorees and pioneers: Thank you for lighting the path.

To our attendees: Thank you for carrying the torch.

To our partners, sponsors, and volunteers: Thank you for building the stage.

Together, we honored 50 years—and ignited the next 50.

With deep gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and every guest who made this night possible—thank you.

For more information about VABA programs, events, or how to get involved, visit www.vabaus.com or email us at info@vabaus.com.