Learn about our mission, vision, & history below. And meet the tiny but mighty, all-volunteer board behind OVACC who are working to uplift our community.

OVACC’s Mission & Vision

Our mission & vision is to serve as a vibrant Vietnamese cultural hub and empowering resource for Oregon’s Vietnamese, Vietnamese-American community, and welcome everyone who want to learn more about Vietnamese culture, traditions, and support OVACC’s mission. We are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Vietnamese heritage through language, art, music, cuisine, and traditional customs—strengthening the bridge between generations. We also strive to be a robust resource to support the growth and success of Vietnamese-owned small businesses, foster financial literacy, and provide leadership development programs that create pathways to stability, new opportunities, and generational wealth.

History

OVACC became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit on July 12, 2023 and was born from the passion of Vietnamese-American leaders who envisioned a welcoming space for cultural expression and community connection. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a recognized voice advocating for equity and representation.

Future

In addition to expanding our programs and resource offerings to the community, we are actively in the process of finding our future home to build out the first Vietnamese Cultural Center in Oregon.

OVACC

Board of Directors & Team

  • OVACC President & Founding Board Member

    Lyllian Nguyen is a dynamic leader, dedicated advocate, and passionate community builder. As President of the Oregon Vietnamese American Cultural Center (OVACC), she brings vision, experience, and unwavering commitment to strengthening and celebrating Vietnamese heritage in Oregon.

    Born and raised in Portland, Lyllian has devoted her life to uplifting others through volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership. With nearly 25 years of expertise in residential real estate and finance, she has earned recognition as a top producer in both industries. Her entrepreneurial spirit has also led her to serve as Chief Operating Officer of a consulting company, former CEO of her own mortgage lending firm, producer of an internationally acclaimed film, and Director of Business Development for the Los Angeles Tribune Vietnam Journal.

    As the inaugural President of OVACC, Lyllian has championed programs that empower youth, families, and future generations. She launched the Dare2Dream Youth Mentorship Sports Program, created the Pathway to Homeownership financial wellness program, and built partnerships with the Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion Program and Văn Lang Language School. Through the dedication of the entire board, OVACC reached state recognition within its first two years and secured a significant grant to establish a cultural center—ensuring a lasting space for education, cultural preservation, and belonging.

    For Lyllian, “a home is where the heart is.” She believes a home provides foundation, stability, comfort, and hope. That vision extends to OVACC, where the cultural center is more than a building: it is a place to showcase Vietnamese American trailblazers, amplify voices, and inspire pride. It also serves as a hub for economic growth, workforce development, and mentorship, where the next generation can connect with leaders who reflect their own identities.

    Lyllian’s collaborative approach to leadership inspires others to work together toward shared goals. Her drive, passion, and commitment make her an invaluable asset to the executive board, where she continues to make a meaningful impact.

    Beyond her professional life, Lyllian treasures the arts—finding joy in theater, music, painting, and writing. She is also a proud mother of a daughter in college at ASU, two active boys, and a beloved fur baby named Oreo.

  • OVACC Vice-President & Secretary - Founding Board Member

    MyTien Kent's journey began in 1979 when her family immigrated to Portland, Oregon from Saigon, Vietnam on a cargo boat. At the young age of 12, she started working tirelessly, dedicating 40 hours per week, 7 days a week, at her family's video store in Seattle, Washington, while attending school. In high school, she maintained a remarkable 3.4 grade point average while managing the family's video store franchise and taking on leadership roles as the Vice-President of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and the Secretary of the Asian-American Association. Her academic achievements earned her three full scholarships for college.

    In 1992, MyTien and her family established a full-service nail salon, marking the beginning of their ventures in the beauty industry. Despite her demanding schedule, she enrolled as a full-time student at North Seattle Community College, majoring in Business Administration while working 60 hours a week. The family's entrepreneurial spirit led them to open Queen's Restaurant, a sprawling establishment featuring American and Asian cuisine, gaming rooms, telecast sporting events, and dance floors. In 1996, they sold the restaurant and their nail salon, and relocated to Portland, Oregon. In 1997, MyTien and her family opened Portland Beauty School, which quickly gained a stellar reputation among local beauty colleges and state regulatory offices. Over the years, they achieved remarkable milestones, such as opening a full-service spa in downtown Portland in 2001 and partnering with Regal Nails, LLC, to sell Regal Nails salons inside Walmart stores. MyTien's dedication and hard work paid of as Portland Beauty School experienced remarkable success, grossing over three million dollars in revenue during Oregon's economic downturn. Her advocacy efforts were also notable as she fought for the inclusion of Vietnamese and Spanish translated testing in state agencies, ultimately succeeding in 2018.

    MyTien Kent's journey is a testament to her resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to advocating for her community. From her early days working at a video store to establishing successful businesses and driving positive change, she continues to inspire others with her remarkable achievements and unwavering determination.

  • OVACC Treasurer & Founding Board Member

    Man Ninh was born in Saigon, Vietnam in 1960. After the Fall of Saigon, he and his family were forced to escape Vietnam by boat in 1981. They spent the next three years at the Galang Camp, a refugee camp in Indonesia. Sponsored to Georgia, Ninh completed his GED and enrolled in the Georgia Institute of Technology. He then moved to Portland in 1986 and transferred to Portland State University to study medicine.

    However, after the untimely death of his first wife, he transferred to Concordia College and earned a bachelor's degree in Management & Business while working as a lab manager at an environmental lab. In 1992, Ninh established J&M Consulting, later focusing on immigration law, particularly as it pertains to the Vietnamese community. He became the President of VN Paralegal, Inc. in 2000 and founded the Galang Camp Foundation in 2014.

    Ninh has a strong focus on the Vietnamese community, and works to provide support for the community through his work in law and his involvement in various organizations. He recognizes the importance of preserving the experiences of Vietnamese refugees and promoting the perspectives of the Vietnamese community, particularly among the younger generations. Through his work, Ninh continues to be a leader and advocate for the Vietnamese community in Oregon.

  • OVACC - TRIMET Program Manager & Founding OVACC Board Member (Inaugural Secretary)

    Hai is a native Oregonian and proud Vietnamese-American. He loves connecting people, ideas, & resources - and has been weaving through the worlds of business, art, and politics for over 20 years. He founded a boutique business consulting firm in 2022 to support small businesses recover from the pandemic and previously worked strategically with global Fortune 10 to 100 C-suite executives.

    In 2012, Hai earned the unique distinction of being the first Vietnamese-American political campaign manager in Oregon - he has worked on local State Representative campaigns in Portland, Oregon, a City Council race in Queens, NY, and two national presidential campaigns.

    Hai works as an employee benefits risk management consultant at a top 10 national insurance brokerage. In his spare time, Hai enjoys fishing, snowboarding, hiking, paddle boarding, and working on his first documentary about the nationally historic election of five Vietnamese-American State Representatives in Oregon during the November 2022 elections.