A Crowned Moment of Triumph
Choco: Vanessa, how did you feel when your name was announced as Miss Global Ambassador 2025?
Vanessa Vu Tuong Van: Being crowned Miss Global Ambassador 2025 was nothing short of a transformative experience. Standing on that stage, with the crown placed upon my head, I was enveloped in a profound sense of disbelief, gratitude, and exhilaration. It was a moment where dreams merged seamlessly with reality.
I am immensely grateful to Virgelia Productions for crafting a platform that extends beyond the superficial realm of pageantry. It is a crucible for personal development and an avenue to inspire meaningful change. That moment, in front of thousands of spectators, was not just a personal milestone but a testament to the journey that brought me there.
Inspiration and Purpose
Choco: What motivated you to embark on this journey?
Vanessa: The past few years have been pivotal in shaping my emotional and spiritual growth, leading me to uncover my deeper purpose: to serve and uplift the communities around me. I realized that to fulfill this mission, I needed a platform that amplified my voice and extended my reach. The Miss Global Ambassador pageant represented the perfect confluence of opportunity and purpose.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my father, who wisely dissuaded me from entering the world of pageantry at an earlier age. His guidance ensured that I matured and developed the resilience needed to face the complexities of this path. At 18 or 19, I would not have possessed the perspective or depth of experience that I bring to this role today.
Navigating Responsibilities with Grace
Choco: How do you balance the responsibilities of your new title with other commitments?
Vanessa: Achieving balance is an elusive art, and I’ve learned that perfection in this regard is unattainable (laughs). Instead, I focus on pursuing my passions with unwavering dedication. Pageantry, for me, is not a sideline endeavor—it is a second career. I approach it with the philosophy that true success demands giving not merely 100% but 110%.
When challenges feel overwhelming, I retreat to restorative practices such as meditation or listening to motivational talks. On more relaxed days, I enjoy simple pleasures like walking my dogs or sharing meaningful moments with friends. These activities ground me and renew my sense of purpose.
Transforming Lives Through Mental Health Advocacy
Choco: Your role as the executive director of a mental health center in Phoenix, Arizona, is inspiring. Can you share your journey?
Vanessa: My professional background is rooted in business, and stepping into the mental health field was initially unfamiliar terrain. I started humbly as a receptionist, eager to learn and grow. Over time, I absorbed the knowledge and skills necessary to assume leadership as Executive Director.
This role has been profoundly fulfilling. Witnessing clients reclaim their lives and reintegrate into their communities is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a reminder that, with perseverance and support, transformation is always possible.
Choco: Is there a particular story of recovery that stands out to you?
Vanessa: Each client’s journey is a narrative of courage and resilience, making it difficult to single out just one. Addiction often strips individuals of their vitality and hope, leaving them as mere shadows of their former selves. Watching them rediscover their strength and rebuild their lives is like tending a seed that blossoms into something extraordinary. That transformation fuels my commitment to this work.
Empowering Through Leadership
Choco: As President of the Vietnamese Women’s Association in Arizona, what has this experience taught you?
Vanessa: Leading the Vietnamese Women’s Association for two consecutive years has been an enriching experience that has deepened my understanding of community and connection. It has allowed me to engage with a remarkable array of women, from tireless laborers to visionary CEOs, forging bonds that transcend professional collaboration.
This role has illuminated the power of unity. Seeing women from diverse walks of life come together to celebrate culture, support one another, and enact change is profoundly inspiring. It underscores the potential we hold when we work collectively—a privilege and responsibility I hold dear.
The Pillar of Confidence
Choco: What do you believe is the key to women pushing boundaries with confidence?
Vanessa: Confidence is the cornerstone of progress. When a woman recognizes her intrinsic worth and trusts in her abilities, she unlocks an extraordinary capacity to overcome obstacles and defy limitations.
Confidence is not an innate gift but a cultivated skill. It is built through self-reflection, continual learning, and the encouragement of a positive and empowering environment. Stepping beyond comfort zones and embracing calculated risks are essential in this journey. Beyond personal growth, breaking boundaries is about reshaping societal norms and expectations. As women, we have the power—and the duty—to uplift one another and collectively redefine what is possible.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Choco: How has your time as an education specialist at the Canadian Consulate in Vietnam influenced your mission?
Vanessa: Public speaking has always been a passion, offering a conduit to connect and inspire. During my tenure at the Canadian Consulate, I had the privilege of visiting schools across Vietnam, sharing insights and encouraging students to embrace curiosity and confidence as they navigate life.
These experiences solidified my commitment to empowering youth. Now, as I step onto a global stage, I aim to amplify this message, encouraging young minds to dream fearlessly and act boldly.
Vision for a Transformative Reign
Choco: What is your greatest aspiration as Miss Global Ambassador?
Vanessa: My ultimate goal is to inspire and empower women and youth to realize their boundless potential. Through this platform, I aim to create spaces where stories are shared, connections are forged, and resources for growth are accessible to all.
Mental health and resilience lie at the heart of my mission. Drawing on my professional and personal experiences, I am committed to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a culture of understanding and support.
My aspiration is to leave a legacy of empowerment and hope, proving that together, we can transcend barriers, achieve our dreams, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Wardrobe: Tommy Le
Photography: Huy Khiem