The Story Behind VRS

written by Natalie Ray

 

Vietnam Relief Services was developed from an immense desire for our family to serve our brothers and sisters in need. The core of our home has always been service and respect for the desire of all to celebrate a life lived to its fullest extent. In Jason’s travels, he was privileged enough to become a part of a circle of incredibly dedicated and selfless volunteers that he would soon call “family.” Jason was captivated by Vietnam’s respectful, modest, hard-working, humble, and deeply committed culture. He relayed his experiences to our children about visiting an orphanage nestled in one of the poorest areas of Binh Luc, Vietnam. Our family became determined to find a way to bridge the distance between Vietnam and our community. There may be thousands of miles between us, but our lives are inextricably linked. The needs of orphaned, impoverished, and disadvantaged children and their community that relentlessly struggles to care for them are needs that we carry with us in one unified effort to help.

 

Jason L Ray

Executive Director and Co-Founder

With over 25 years in the global health and technology industry, and

15 years in the non profit sector, Jason has a proven track record in

resource mobilization, web marketing, and health systems design

and development. As one of the original members of the Global

Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), Jason has a

longstanding history of excellence in building some of the most

effective global health charitable organizations to date. Prior to his

career in global health, Jason managed web marketing for PSINet, one

of the world's largest Internet Service Providers; and chaired the global

web marketing committee comprised of representatives from 23 countries.

Jason has worked with Health and Human Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration in a consultancy capacity with a focus on health systems.

 

Natalie A Ray   MPT Licensed Physical Therapist
Board Member and Co-Founder

Natalie is a highly qualified health professional with a degree in Exercise Science from the George Washington University, and a Masters in Physical Therapy from Marymount University. As a licensed Physical Therapist, Natalie has rehabilitated hundreds of disabled and elderly at facilities including The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington and Potomac Valley Wellness and Rehabilitation Facility.

 

Jill Ruskin
Head of Finance

With over 20 years in the non profit sector in the Washington DC Area, Jill Ruskin served as the Senior Accounting Manager for health organizations including the Potomac Valley Wellness and Rehabilitation Facility and the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington. Jill was responsible for managing a $5 Million dollar monthly revenue stream and is an expert at managing patient, family, and government relations to ensure maximum care under current regulations. Jill holds a BA in social work with a minor in accounting; and is a member of the Maryland Association of Non Profit Organizations.

 

Văn Quang Hoàng
Director – Vietnam

With many years experience in designing and running some of the most effective philanthropic organizations in Hanoi, Quang’s experience coupled with his enthusiastic style have led to the launch of the VH club and the S4H club. Both volunteer clubs remain some of the strongest locally grown volunteer organizations in Hanoi to date.

With accreditation’s from the Hanoi University of Industry, and work in the IT field, Quang utilizes technology as a catalyst to enhance his philanthropic efforts. Further, Quang’s passion for the environment has led him to participate in the Charity for a Green Environment annual bicycle fundraiser from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (2780 km).

 

Tuan Vu
Director – USA

Tuan has over 18 years of experience in the computer and high tech industry. With experience combined in consulting, systems engineering, and sales Tuan has a proven track record in working with some of the largest Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, Tuan has vast experience in the Legal, Healthcare, and Financial Services industry. Under his leadership, Tuan has led many successful projects, sales campaigns, and has helped many customers overcome their business and technical obstacles.

In addition to his VRS post, Tuan is currently a Regional Sales Manager at NVIDIA and was previously a District Manager at EMC (Isilon Division) as well as a top Sales Executive for NetApp Inc. Additionally, Tuan has held sales, engineering, and consulting positions for Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM, AT&T, and Boeing. A refugee from Vietnam at the age of 9, Tuan has been on the receiving end of aid from organizations like VRS and understands the importance of non-profit charitable organizations such as VRS. Tuan is thrilled to be a part of VRS and is excited about the opportunity to give back to his community and those in need.

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Nguyễn Hồng Nhung

Chief of Staff

With a degree from the Foreign Trade University and excellent proficiency in English and French, Nhung keeps things running on time and with excellent results.  Nhung has worked in Hanoi, HCMC, and for USA based companies and is skilled at mobilizing the best talent.  She is from Thái Nguyên, the tea capital of Vietnam, and loves to travel and listen to music.

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Nguyễn Hoàng Hải
Head of Finance and Accounting

As a graduate from the Hanoi College of Industrial Economics, Hải has a proven history in managing the finances for fundraising initiatives, internal corporate accounting, and corporate minute taking with a focus on transparency and accountability. Currently working at Viet Lac Computers, Hải continues to further her skills. Originally from Hà Nam, Hải enjoys cooking, reading, and social work.

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Hien Nguyen

Social Media Administrator

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Hien is the Social Media Administrator at VRS since 2014. Hien creates and launches social media campaigns to help engage followers, raise awareness, and share success stories.  Hien was born and raised in central Vietnam and moved to the US at the age of 16. She enjoys lofi music, minimalism, and astrology. Hien wishes to help more kids, especially girls, in rural areas of Vietnam to ensure that they receive the education that they deserve. She believes everyone has a dream and education will help to turn dreams into reality.

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Jacob Ray

Program Manager

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Jacob is pursuing his MBA at the Marymount University in Arlington VA, currently works as a Technical Coordinator for Arlington's COVID Response Team,  and is the principal organizer of VRS programs in rural northern Vietnam.  He also teaches weekly English lessons to students from Bac Kan in support of VRS's speak.vn program.

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Dean Ray

Photographer & Videographer

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Dean is studying Cyber Security at the Marymount University and is an avid photographer and digital storyteller.  With a love for fitness, Dean is regularly spotted exercising and is the talent behind many of the VRS videos and photos.

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Corey Ray

Program Coordinator

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Corey is a student at the St. John's College High School in Washington DC and is currently assisting in the planning and coordination of programs in rural northern Vietnam.  He also teaches weekly English lessons to students in support of VRS's speak.vn program.

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Hoang Thi Thanh Tam

Volunteer

With a degree from the Hanoi University of Industry, Tam is from the Nam Dinh province and works for Zone Golf Company LTD.  With a strong commitment to philanthropy and excellent project management skills, she is the heart of many a VRS program.  She enjoys shopping, traveling, and perfecting her English language skills.

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Phạm Hương Chi

Volunteer

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Chi is a student at the Hanoi University where she is studying Spanish.  With a proficiency in English and Spanish, she is our resident photographer and offers social media and fundraising support.  She enjoys singing, traveling, and eating. She also is known to have an "unlimited stomach".

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