Moving Our Mission Forward: Introducing Our New Executive Director, Giang Wells-Dang

2 years ago

Children of Vietnam is pleased to announce Ms. Giang Wells-Dang as our new Executive Director. She will be replacing Nancy Letteri, who is retiring this summer after 17 years. Giang will join COV on August 1.  She has had ample time to work with Nancy to ensure a smooth transition.

Over the past five months, the Board of Directors has conducted a rigorous and thorough process of reviewing applications and holding multiple stages of interviews with numerous well-qualified candidates. With significant consideration given to the skills, experiences, and expertise needed to guide COV successfully, the Board selected Giang to serve in this vital leadership role. The combination of Giang’s experience, culture, and drive make her an ideal fit for Children of Vietnam as we work to deepen our support for vulnerable children and their families and expand the capacity of our programs. Giang is currently living in Arlington, VA with her husband and two children.

Throughout her 27-year career working in the United States and Vietnam, Giang has demonstrated a passion for working with children and providing services and opportunities that positively impact their well-being. For 12 years, she was the Executive Director of Action for the City, a Vietnamese NGO operating in Hoi An and Hanoi. She was responsible for strategic planning, programmatic development, staffing, fundraising, and financial management. She has also successfully implemented education programs at Catholic Relief Services (U.S. and Vietnam), contributed significant research at Youth Research Institute (Vietnam), and facilitated youth empowerment programs at Asian American Lead (Washington, DC). Giang has a master’s degree in sociology from the Catholic University of America. With this background, Giang brings skills in non-profit management, training, project management, community organizing, fundraising, and research.

Giang has the leadership qualities that will guide us toward our vision of a Vietnam where all children flourish, reach their full potential, and contribute positively to society. 

More information concerning Children of Vietnam’s continued work will follow in the coming months as we lift children and youth out of poverty for our scholarship students in our Study Steps and Bright Scholars programs; our single mothers and their children in our Empowering Single Mothers program; and our children with disabilities and their families in our Increasing Opportunities for Children with Disabilities program. In the mountainous regions west of Da Nang City, where we serve small ethnic minority villages, we continue our kindergarten building projects, along with the installation of safe water systems and toilet facilities. In addition, we carry on with the distribution of nourishing meals for young children and their families.

Please give a warm welcome to Children of Vietnam’s new Executive Director, Ms. Giang Wells-Dang who can be reached at [email protected].

Scott Willis

Chairperson

Board of Directors