Madonna Trinh

(she/her/hers)

Candidate for Internal Vice president

APPLICATION RESPONSES

Why do you want to be on the Executive Board for UVSA Gulf Coast?

I would like to be on Executive Board for UVSA Gulf Coast, so I can further build my leadership skills and remain actively up-to-date with each VSA's organization within the Gulf Coast region. As VSA-LSU's EVP, not only was I able to work with members of the ICC, but also meet other VSA's Executive Board members within the GC region. The past year, I've became more regionally involved with other VSA's, and I identified that each organization has their own flaws and faults. As UVSA Gulf Coast acts as an umbrella organization, I believe E-board members must have a drive to assist and accommodate to those VSAs that require help with fundraising, member retention, or establishing a presence or name for their organization within their college community. If I were to be a part of UVSA Gulf Coast E-board, my primary focus would be able to help dying VSAs rebuild their organization while also creating a friendly Gulf Coast community where everyone feels heard and accepted.

What makes you a qualified candidate for this position? 

I have been a part of VSA for the past 3 years. Walking into my freshman year of college, I
struggled to find belonging, but VSA-LSU's friendly faces and optimistic attitudes welcomed me with open arms. My first VSA-LSU memory was participating as a Date Auction dancer. Through that, I've made long-lasting friendships and joyous memories. Since VSA-LSU provided that experience and happy memory for me, it inspired me to devote my time and efforts in providing that joyful experience for the next generation of Vietnamese future leaders. VSA-LSU presented me with a forever home, which in turn incited me to give back to a loving community that I call home. My shy, reserved freshman self was simply a VSA-LSU general member, not knowing what the organization had in store for me. My VSA-LSU journey included the experience of being a VSA-LSU General Member, Intern, Auctionee, Choreographer, and now External Vice President. As VSA-LSU EVP, my main duties were to represent my university's VSA while also being a communicative liaison between my E-board and Intercollegiate Council. Initially, I was nervous to take on such a credible and respected position. However, my previous experiences as a Date Auction auctionee and choreographer benefitted me in fulfilling my EVP duties like organizing skit, assembling dancers, recruiting choreographers and videographers, and helping Date Auction auctionees fundraise for the Collective Philanthropy Project. Planning for Date Auction was heavily motivated by the UVSA-GC IVP and ICC; they provided an approachable and open-minded environment for me to work collaboratively and comfortably in. During my term as VSA-LSU's EVP, I've learned to adapt to other individual's leadership styles, personality types, and work ethics. I throughly enjoyed Date Auction planning for my own VSA organization, and I still have interest and passion to continue being involved in VSAs regionally. To further pursue my passions, I became involved in Camp Delta and Summit Staff, so I can partake in the experiences of inspiring young future leaders of VSAs within the GC region. As Internal Vice President of UVSA Gulf Coast, I would ensure that each VSA within the Gulf Coast region is able to fulfill their EVP duties responsibly and collaboratively. As the previous IVP has provided for me, I would foster a welcoming, safe environment for the other EVPs within the UVSA Gulf Coast region to work in unity.

What is your vision for this position, as well as for UVSA Gulf Coast?

As Internal Vice President, I would proudly represent UVSA Gulf Coast as well as the 10 VSA schools within the Gulf Coast region. I shall inspire others into being regionally involved while supporting and spread the awareness of community service and the Collective Philanthropy Project. I believe I can emphasize the importance of Date Auction and guide EVPs through the thorough planning and process of preparing for Date Auction. By throughly advising and informing the Intercollegiate Council about the mission of Date Auction, the members of the ICC can easily advertise information regarding Date Auction and the CPP to general members, e-board members, and alumni. Along with the duties of IVP, I would fabricate an open, healthy ICC environment and further establish the ICC network to other VSAs within the Gulf Coast region.

VSA & GENERAL RESUME

Vietnamese Student Association at Louisiana State University (VSA-LSU)

General Member, 2019-2021

Intern, Spring 2020

External Vice President, 2021-2022

UVSAGC Date Auction

Dancer, 2019 (DA24)

Auctionee, 2021 (DA25) (Raised $2,300)

Choreographer, 2021 (DA25)

UVSAGC Summit

Attendee, January 2020

Staff, Family Programming and Entertainment Committee Spring 2022

Camp Delta
Attendee, August 2021 (CD13)

Counselor, August 2022 (CD14)

Peak Performance Physical Therapy

Technician, Fall 2021

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
Student, Fall 2021

Louisiana State University Physician Assistant Collegiate Society

Treasurer, Spring 2021 - Fall 2022

Louisiana State University Badminton Club

Secretary, Spring 2021-Spring 2022