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Aimee Do’s journey — from refugee to engineer to philanthropic leader — is a testament to the transformative power of education. As President of the , Aimee has helped over 500 students pursue degrees in STEM and the humanities, creating ripple effects of opportunity and hope. 

Aimee brings that same passion to the Diversify the Educator Workforce initiative, emphasizing how crucial it is for students to see themselves reflected in their teachers. 

Read Aimee’s Q&A below, where she shares her personal story, her passion for representation in the classroom, and what continues to inspire her work today. 

Can you share a bit about your background and your organization? 

My name is Aimee G. Do. Since 2015, I serve as the president of the Vietnam Education Fund. After 30 years of experience in the aerospace and computing industries, I am now dedicated to my non-profit organization, the Vietnam Education Fund (VEF), found by my late husband, Stephen J. Kennedy and me. VEF actively supports K-12 and higher education while making a significant impact on the local community. 

I immigrated to the United States as a young girl, escaping a war-torn country with my family to pursue a better life. Grounded in a family tradition that values education, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the ���ߺ��� and a Master's degree in Engineering Management from Washington State University.

Our scholarship program at the Vietnam Education Fund empowers financially disadvantaged students to pursue higher education in STEM fields and the Humanities. In the past decade, VEF has granted over 500 scholarships and has successfully helped more than 200 students graduate in various disciplines, including engineering, information technology, medicine, law, business, and education in Vietnam. We are committed to giving students hope for their futures and inspiring them through the examples of those who have overcome challenges to achieve their ambitions. Our graduates are now contributing and giving back to their communities. 

The ���ߺ��� has provided me with an excellent education that will always hold a special place in my heart. I am eager to give back to the community. In recent years, I have represented VEF and participated in the Strategy Development Competition at the UW Foster School of Business, where I had the opportunity to judge the business cases presented by the senior class. I will be the judge again for the competition in Spring 2025.

Last year, I had the privilege of representing VEF as a volunteer with the international Medical Education Exchange Teams, where I was able to inspire and empower medical, dental, and bioengineering students at a medical school in Vietnam through English conversation coaching and translation. 

I am currently employed at Mercy House, a non-profit organization associated with St. Pius X Church in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. I utilize my skills in communication and leadership to operate various programs that assist over 5,000 individuals experiencing extreme poverty in South Snohomish County each year. Additionally, I serve on the board of Volunteers of America of Western Washington, where we work to support marginalized communities in need of shelter, food banks, mental health services, and opportunities for a stable life.

What inspired you to support the Diversify the Educator Workforce initiative?

Teachers have been the most influential people in my life, especially during my time at grade school. The ones who truly made a difference were those who could empathize with my culture, upbringing, and values. They understood me and helped me become a better version of myself. I believe it is important to have more diverse teachers in the classroom. When Lauren Jones and Amy Scott approached me about supporting and advocating for The Diversity Educator Workforce Initiative, I recognized this as an opportunity for the Vietnam Education Fund to contribute.

Why do you believe diversity in the educator workforce matters for students and communities? 

Many children face the challenge of their parents not spending enough time with them at home. In contrast, teachers often spend more than twice the amount of time with their students, making them important educators and role models. To help students feel connected and confident in the classroom, it’s essential for teachers to understand their diverse cultures. 

For example, children from Asia are taught to fold their arms during class as a sign of respect and focus. However, in American culture, folding one’s arms may be interpreted as a sign of anger, negativity, or defiance. A teacher who understands Asian cultural practices would appreciate this gesture and would not be offended if they saw their students folding their arms in front of their chests. 

Diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and acceptance. A diverse workforce among educators encourages students to be tolerant and to appreciate the differences among their peers and teachers. This environment promotes positive reinforcement of diversity, reduces conflicts, and “strengthens social cohesion” within the classroom. As these values become ingrained in students, they can shape the norms within society and communities as they grow into adulthood.

Is there a teacher who made a difference in your life? How did their influence shape you? 

I had many wonderful teachers while growing up who helped shape me into the person I am today. However, the teacher who had the most significant influence on my life was my mom, who taught me during my preschool years. One of the most memorable lessons she imparted was the importance of memorizing beautiful quotes and poems from various cultures, which provided great life lessons. She also taught me to respect nature and to listen to the rain. I was very fortunate because my mom dedicated a lot of time to sharing her knowledge and life experiences with her children. Unfortunately, many kids today do not have that same opportunity. This highlights the importance of having teachers who understand their students' backgrounds and serve as role models for children.

Outside of philanthropy, what's something you're passionate about? 

I enjoy playing music on my piano, guitar, and ukulele. I am passionate about writing, especially my memoir and read autobiographies. Additionally, I love cooking various cuisines.