Donor

Donor spotlight Q&A: Aimee G. Do

stonevm@washington.edu — Thu, 08 May 2025 18:31:29 +0000

Donor spotlight Q&A: Aimee G. Do

May 9, 2025

Aimee Do, President of Vietnam Education Fund

Aimee Do’s journey — from refugee to engineer to philanthropic leader — is a testament to the transformative power of education. As President of the Vietnam Education Fund, 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.

Contact

Vanessa Stone

Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications

stonevm@uw.edu

"Give joyfully": Benaroya gift bolsters Brotherhood Initiative capacity

wilcoxc@washington.edu — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 22:49:47 +0000

"Give joyfully": Benaroya gift bolsters Brotherhood Initiative capacity

February 26, 2024

Nestled in the vibrant ��ߺ�� Quad, the Brotherhood Initiative (BI) stands not just as a learning community but as a beacon of hope and transformation for young men of color. Joe Lott, Ph.D., associate professor of education and the founding director and passionate force behind the BI, not only addresses systemic barriers affecting Black men's graduation rates but also creates a close-knit community at the UW where academic challenges meet unwavering support and understanding.

In a poignant moment during a luncheon in the fall of 2022 at Ivar’s Salmon House, Rebecca Benaroya found herself drawn into the BI's orbit. Witnessing the spirit of resilience among the BI student scholars and the nurturing environment fostered by Director Lott, she was impressed. "It's a wonderful thing he is doing," she remarked, captivated by the comfort and empowerment radiating from the students. For Mrs. Benaroya, it was clear she wanted to support the BI in its mission to uplift students.

From left to right: Paul Metellus, assistant director for student success; Noah Stanigar (student); Jordan Fisher (student); Joe Lott, founder and director of the Brotherhood Initiative; Aarun Hendrickson (student); Shamaar Thomas (student); Mrs. Rebecca Benaroya.

During the luncheon, the BI students shared their experiences and journeys. Jordan Fisher (BABA, Marketing, 2023), underscored the invaluable mentorship, affirming, “I did a lot of different networking and professional development events that I don’t think I would have necessarily been connected with or had the motivation to do had I not been in the Brotherhood Initiative; so now going into different job interviews and professional spaces I feel more prepared.” Noah Stanigar (BABA, Information Systems, Marketing, 2023) echoed the sense of belonging within the learning community, emphasizing its transformative influence on his journey in academia and beyond: “It’s a brotherhood; that’s the whole point of it. It doesn’t just end when you graduate, these are people that you have a lifelong connection with.”

Connecting deeply with the BI mission, Mrs. Benaroya delved into the shared history of her family and her late husband Jack Benaroya. Both first-generation Americans, they witnessed the hardships many families experienced during the Great Depression and the ignorance and discrimination she and others faced as Sephardic Jews. She thought, too, about their shared commitment to supporting the underdog. She described Mr. Benaroya as dependable and honest; one who had a humble start working at gas stations and drug stores, delivering prescriptions, and serving customers at a local milkshake counter while balancing life as a student at Garfield High School. While she and her late husband were not able to attend college, they believed in the power of education and it spurred them to make education accessible for underprivileged students, planting the seeds for a lifelong legacy of philanthropy.

Their journey began with pioneering programs like Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) and College of Success at the UW, a program that championed Black male students from Garfield High School by providing scholarships to attend the University. Their early support, especially for the Black community, displayed a forward-thinking approach to advancing educational opportunities.

The Benaroya family’s philanthropic impact on the Pacific Northwest is profound, seen in landmarks like Benaroya Hall, research institutions like Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center, as well as numerous arts organizations, industrial developments and business parks that have been synonymous with the Benaroya name for the past fifty years. Still, for Mrs. Benaroya, education remains the key to success in today's competitive world. "People need skills, talent, education to succeed," she emphasized, recognizing the vital role of higher education in empowering individuals.

Mrs. Rebecca Benaroya in her home in Seattle being interviewed by the UW ��ߺ��.

Inspired by her late husband's unwavering dedication and with the collaborative efforts of Director Lott and the UW ��ߺ�� leadership team, Mrs. Benaroya envisioned a lasting impact beyond immediate financial support. The result was the creation of a $3 million endowed professorship named the Rebecca and Jack Benaroya Distinguished Endowed Professorship for Equity in Education and a $2 million fund called the Rebecca and Jack Benaroya Fund for Excellence for the UW Brotherhood Initiative, marking the largest philanthropic support the BI has ever received.

For Director Lott, this is a transformative gift. "I’m excited to share in the legacy of the Benaroya family to support students from communities who have historically been underserved by educational institutions,” he remarked. This professorship goes beyond scholarships, emphasizing meaningful connections and support for historically underserved communities. It will allow the BI to double the size of its first-year cohort, serving more than 200 men of color each year across all cohorts.

With this generous endowment, students are not merely recipients of financial aid but active participants in a community that fosters personal growth, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging — students like Aarun Hendrickson, a senior neuroscience major and BI scholar. Inspired by the teachings and support he received within the BI, Hendrickson created a Brothers in Research course to address the need for belonging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields for people of color, a course he designed and leads with the help of the BI staff.

Reflecting on his motivation, Hendrickson shared, "In the beginning of each class, I cover two researchers of color on the UW campus, one from the STEM side and one from the social sciences side, to show students there are people of color in every space and even though you might have to look a little bit harder, with the right tools you can find people who have been in the position you’re in and found success." Through the BI, students are empowered to become catalysts for positive change within their communities and beyond.

From left to right: Hunter Maag, Hakeem Hernandez, Po Saetia, and Dawit Hailu. Caleb Albright/UW ��ߺ��.

In the spirit of giving, the Benaroya family have an unyielding commitment to philanthropy that spans generations, illustrating that every act of support contributes to a brighter future. Quoting Shirley Chisholm, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth,” and Winston Churchill, “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give,” Mrs. Benaroya draws inspiration from these quotes just as her late husband once did. She encourages students to "pay it forward," creating a ripple effect of generosity and positive change. “Give joyfully,” she said with a smile.

Explore meaningful ways to support the Brotherhood Initiative by visiting their website.

Contact

Vanessa Stone

Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications

stonevm@uw.edu