A long journey is not measured by titles, but by the persistence a person shows every single day.
Dr. Elysabeth is a Vietnamese-American businesswoman active in diverse fields, from community service and cinema, to technology and investment. Currently, she serves as the CEO of Our Lady La Vang Foundation (OLLV Foundation), a non-profit organization dedicated to the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine, Marian Gardens, and St. Callistus Chapel in Orange County, USA.
Hello Dr. Elysabeth! To start, could you share your journey to becoming the CEO of the OLLV Foundation? How many years did it take to reach such a beautiful milestone as you have today?
It was about 14 years before I became CEO of OLLV Foundation. I had decided to take a break to focus on my family and moved back to Orange County to be closer to my parents. I started as a simple volunteer for the church, but was later asked to join the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine construction project as an advisor.
Today, the skills I gained from the corporate world are being applied in the non-profit sector in a very meaningful way. The most important skill that has guided me to where I am today is the ability to listen.
What core values have shaped your leadership style throughout your career development?
The most important thing is building alignment with your mission. Everyone needs to clearly understand their goals and the steps required to achieve them. We may not always agree with one another, but we must listen to each other. I have attended several postgraduate business programs, including the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and have had excellent mentors from a young age, and they’ve all taught me these principles.
What is the mission of the OLLV Foundation, and what achievement are you most proud of so far?
The OLLV Foundation was established to complete the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine through fundraising activities. We are now working on maintaining its beauty, but also focus on creating a space for the community to contribute their talents and serve their faith. This is a place where everyone can serve together regardless of their differences. We also emphasize human development, and have created an environment for interns and young professionals to grow through their challenges.
As the Executive Producer of the film “Our Lady At The Center”, what motivated you to undertake this project?
I produced the film to document the shrine’s construction process and to explain the history of Our Lady of La Vang, as many people do not yet fully understand it.
In your opinion, how can cinema become a tool for spreading humanistic values and creating social impact?
Media plays a vital role in creating influence and connecting people with shared ideals—content must be chosen strategically to spread humanistic values. In non-profit work, we use media to reach a broader audience, and hopefully inspire them.
As a businesswoman active in multiple fields, how do you balance business, art, and community activities?
Balance happens naturally. Community work, professional expertise, and creating influence are all interconnected. I focus on daily priorities.
In your journey, what prejudices have you faced as a Vietnamese woman in the international marketplace?
I am aware of the expectations placed on female leaders, but I overcome them by being myself and not focusing on stereotypes. My responsibility is to keep moving forward and lead by example through actual results.
What were the biggest failures or challenges you experienced, and how did you overcome them?
The greatest challenge in business is often the lack of initial capital and the difficulty of convincing customers of a product’s value. In the non-profit sector, the challenge lies in persuading people to contribute to the community. This requires clear communication and persistence.
Besides your role at the OLLV Foundation and the film industry, what other business sectors are you currently involved in or investing in?
I am currently invested in new technologies and artificial intelligence, and am also interested in international startups. One area of particular interest to me is renewable energy.
What helps you choose projects for investment or partnership in an increasingly competitive market?
You must thoroughly understand what you are investing in. Most of the preparation happens when no one is watching. Networking and expert opinions are essential.
In your opinion, what is the most important factor in building a sustainable personal brand today?
People work with people. For others to invest in you, they must believe in you. Authenticity is always the core factor.
How do you assess the potential of the overseas Vietnamese business community?
Overseas Vietnamese have a significant advantage because they understand both the culture and the professional standards. They can connect and expand business on a global scale.
If you could send one message to young Vietnamese women looking to start a business, what would it be?
Know yourself. Do not try to be someone else. Never give up. Persistence is the key factor in achieving success.
In the future, what plans or ambitions do you have to expand your influence internationally?
I want to collaborate with educational organizations to develop future generations of leaders, especially women and those from underserved groups.
If you had to define success in a single sentence, how would you describe your journey?
Success is when you feel satisfied with who you are today compared to who you were yesterday. It is your own progress, not a comparison with others.
By Fiona &Truc Tran