2021 ICAN INSPIRE Scholarship Cohort

Tiffany Le is a sophomore at UC Berkeley intending to major in Public Health and a potential minor in Public Policy.

She is currently one of the coordinators for UC Berkeley's Lion Dance Team, where she helps teach people the art and significance of lion dancing in addition to organizing performances for the team. She was first introduced to lion dancing back in high school when she organized her high school's first Asian Culture Assembly, and became passionate in becoming involved with lion dance at UC Berkeley.

Tiffany is also involved in a non-profit organization at UC Berkeley called Helix, where she contributes to hosting a free, four-week summer medical program for high school minority populations who are underrepresented in the medical field in the Bay Area. Her role as a Network Committee member is to connect high school students with preceptors for shadowing experience to enhance student's understanding of the healthcare system and the importance of diversity.

As a first generation student, she had a hard time expressing her cultural background as a Vietnamese American due to lack of resources to do so, and she has experienced her family struggling to navigate the healthcare system due to language barriers and lack of connection with healthcare professionals. Thus, Tiffany is motivated to emphasize the importance of cultural representation in and outside of healthcare through her involvement in her clubs.

Tiffany is looking into getting her Master's in Public Health through UC Berkeley's 4+1 program after getting her Bachelor's. From there, she is planning on applying to nursing school to get her Master's in Nursing.

Sarah, a San Francisco State University graduate, is currently on her journey toward becoming a physical therapist. With a major in Kinesiology, her sights are set on admission to Physical Therapy Graduate school for 2023. Having progressed to the interview rounds for UCSF and Pacific University in Oregon, she eagerly anticipates the next steps in her academic pursuit.

Beyond her professional aspirations, Sarah harbors a passion for culinary exploration, particularly in seeking out the finest xiao long bao and dumpling spots alongside other culinary gems in the Bay Area. Additionally, she looks forward to broadening her horizons through travel, a desire kindled by her enriching experience in South Korea during Fall 2021, supported by the ICAN scholarship. Immersing herself in the culture, she relished the nuances of public transportation, traditional architecture, and the diverse culinary landscape, while forging lasting friendships with locals and fellow international students.

Sarah's ambitions extend beyond clinical practice, aspiring to work with Olympic athletes in swimming and ice skating, with a long-term goal of establishing her own Physical Therapy clinic. She attributes much of her personal and academic development to the guidance and support of her family and community. From her involvement in local non-profits as a high school volunteer to the invaluable lessons imparted by her aunt, she learned the importance of seeking assistance, embracing cultural heritage, exploring diverse interests, and fostering a strong support network.

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah encourages future recipients of the ICAN scholarship to actively engage with their communities, recognizing the transformative power of support and collaboration in personal growth.

Tran Doan is a sophomore at Yale University studying computer science, but she sometimes dabbles in astronomy, public health, and plants. Though born in Tay Ninh (Vietnam), she grew up in East San Jose, California, where she now imparts an appreciation for the vibrant Vietnamese-American community that has shaped who she has become. Tran's strong ties to her upbringing led her to become a board member of Yale's Vietnamese Students Association and a volunteer helping low-income families in the New Haven area. Besides her goal of becoming an engineer, Tran wants to make a positive impact in the future—but she has too many interests right now to decide where she will make it happen. Until then, she looks forward to growing her scientific research experience in computer science and training for a 5K run for refugees!

Michelle Lu is a sophomore at the University of Southern California, where she is pursuing a major in Business Administration. Within USC, she holds the role of one of twelve Senators for the Undergraduate Student Government and dedicates her time to mentoring first-generation low-income high school students. Michelle envisions a future where she represents first-generation Vietnamese women in corporate settings, aiming to share her experiences with those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Her involvement in student government during high school and active participation in her school's Vietnamese Student Union have profoundly influenced her journey, instilling in her a deep appreciation for her cultural heritage amidst the environment of a predominantly white institution like USC. Michelle channels her passion for advocacy and innovation through various projects within the student government, such as spearheading initiatives to introduce medical supply vending machines on campus and integrating the USC ID Card into Apple Wallets.

Michelle seized the opportunity to broaden her horizons by participating in a summer program in Italy through the business school. In her leisure time, she embraces outdoor activities like surfing and skiing while indulging her love for culinary exploration by sampling new restaurants in the area.