About Us
Celebrating Culture, Building Community
Helping Today. Helping Tommorow
Founded in 2022 and rooted in the heart of Massachusetts, the Cultural Empowerment Organization (CEO) is a Vietnamese American-led nonprofit born from a simple but powerful belief, that every community deserves to see itself reflected, celebrated, and heard.
We started as a small group of passionate volunteers who wanted to do more than preserve culture, we wanted to activate it. From hands-on Bánh Chưng workshops during Lunar New Year to the vibrant lights of our Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, CEO creates free, welcoming spaces where Vietnamese heritage comes alive across generations.
But our work goes beyond events. We invest in people. Through leadership development, student scholarships, and community organizing, we equip young Vietnamese Americans and AAPI community members with the tools, confidence, and networks they need to thrive, not just as cultural participants, but as community leaders.
Today, CEO brings together youth, students, families, elders, immigrants, and allies across Massachusetts, from Dorchester and Mattapan to Quincy and Randolph, united by a shared commitment to cultural pride, collective strength, and genuine belonging.
We are community. We are culture. We are CEO.
Getting Involved Has Never Been Easier
Simple ways to connect, participate, and make a meaningful impact
Passionate people. Meaningful change.
The People Behind Our Mission
Kim Cai
President
Professionally, I work in financial reporting, but my heart has always been tied to my Vietnamese roots. Since moving to America, I’ve been an active member of the Buddhist youth group and IVSA. My lifelong passion for traditional dance led me to the CEO group five years ago. What started as a way to involve my children in their culture has grown into a leadership role where I now manage and teach the youth dance troupe.
Seeing my kids and students thrive at events like MALF is my greatest reward, and I dedicate my spare time to choreographing performances that keep our beautiful traditions alive.
Lynn Nguyen
Co-Chair
Lynn Nguyen has been a dedicated member of the Cultural Empowerment Organization since its inception and has actively served the community through numerous cultural, charitable, and community outreach initiatives for over 10 years.
Throughout her involvement with the organization, she has taken on a variety of leadership and support roles, contributing her time, organizational skills, and passion toward strengthening community engagement and empowering future generations.
In addition to her community involvement, Lynn is recognized for her professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. She continues to remain actively engaged in initiatives that promote cultural awareness, unity, and charitable support throughout the local community.
David Nguyen
Director
David is a tax manager at Carr, Staples & Accardi CPAs in 2018. He has graduated with his B.S in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting in 2013 and received is Master of Science in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University in 2015. Davis has over 10 years of experience in corporation, individual, partnership, and trust returns.
He has worked with small to midsize companies and his experience includes a variety of industries including construction, dentalldoctor offices, golf courses, insurance companies, restaurants, and real estate. David has experience representing clients and managing issues with the IRS.
David is also an adjunct professor at a regional community college teaching both accounting and the use of QuickBooks. David is actively involved in service to his community at his temple, assisting with their books and records and supporting and in the coordination of any charitable events as they occur.
Mr. John Lu
Treasurer
John Lu has served as Treasurer for the past four years, overseeing the organization’s financial stewardship while supporting the planning and execution of numerous community initiatives and events. In this role, he works closely with fellow board members and volunteers to ensure responsible financial management and the continued growth of the organization’s programs and outreach.
John is passionate about community engagement and enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. He is particularly committed to supporting and mentoring younger generations by creating opportunities for them to gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and become active contributors to their communities
John firmly believes that the organization’s accomplishments are built upon the dedication and collaboration of its members and volunteers. He is grateful for the shared commitment, vision, and collective effort that continue to strengthen the organization and its mission to serve the community.
Trinity Dickson
Secretary
Trinity Dickson is a Junior studying at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, completing a double major in Computer Science and Game Design/Development. She will be joining the CEO as a secretary this year: She has ample experience working with technology of many forms such as a wide range of devices and softwares.
She works freelance with website development in her moments of extra time and has worked for IT support roles in the past. Trinity also completes community service in the surrounding area of her college at local organizations who seek to provide resources for those in need.
Dr. Loan Truong
Member
Dr Truong moved to Boston from California in 2002. She then established a career as a dentist after graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She has enjoyed living in Boston and calling it her permanent home.
She has two children that love to learn speaking Vietnamese and to learn about the culture. Cultural Empowerment Organization has given them the opportunities to participate in the cultural events in the last few years.
Melissa Nguyen
Member
Melissa is a Boston native now living on the South Shore with her three children. She holds an Associate of Arts in Psychology and brings a thoughtful, people-centered perspective to both family life and her interests.
An avid reader; Melissa enjoys exploring diverse genres, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling to discover new places and cultures. Grounded, curious, and warm, she balances parenting with personal pursuits that reflect her love of learning and connecting with others.
Dr. Anhphi Nguyen
Member
Dr. Nguyen attended the University of California Riverside and received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. She moved to Boston to attend and receive her Doctorate of Dentistry from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM). Dr. Nguyen performed her residencyprogram at Boston Medical Center before she started her own private practice. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS).
Dr. Nguyen was a Vice President of the MDS South Shore Chapter. Currently, she is a distinguished guest member of the MDS Board of Trustees. Dr. Nguyen enjoys giving back and sharing her professional experience with her colleagues and future dentists; thus, she devotes her time, outside of her busy schedule at private practices, to teach at BUGSDM as Clinical Associate of General Dentistry.
Besides her busy professional life, Dr. Nguyen is also known for her community works as she participates and does fundraising every year for Jimmy Fund, Make-a-Wish, Vietnamese American Community of MA, and NE Center and Home for Veterans.
Thao Dumas
Member
Thao Nguyen Dumas joined Cultural Empowerment Organization (CEO) in 2024. As a proud Vietnamese woman and mother of two daughters, Sophia (11) and Quinn (8), Thao is deeply committed to keeping her culture alive within her family. Though her daughters are both Vietnamese and American, she believes their roots are something to be honored, practiced, and passed down with intention.
Through her involvement in CEO, Thao supports initiatives that promote language, tradition, and community-helping families like hers stay connected to their heritage while growing up in the United States.
Bryant Tran
Vietnamese News Media Reporter
Has been serving the Vietnamese community in the New England area for the past 15 years, mainly for SBTN and as independent entity.
Help is Our Goal
What Make Us Different
We Educate
Sharing culture, skills, and knowledge through engaging programs.
We Help
Connecting people to resources, support, and community care.
We Build
Bringing people together to strengthen unity and belonging.
We Empower
Investing in people through opportunities, mentorship, and growth.
1200
Events
Hosted
2430
Volunteers
Engaged
210
Scholarships
Awarded
430
Community Members Reached
Our Programs & Services
Rooted in culture. Driven by community. Built for everyone.
CEO’s programs are designed to uplift and empower Vietnamese American and AAPI communities by celebrating culture, creating opportunities, and building meaningful connections. Through cultural preservation, youth leadership, scholarships, health awareness, and community events, we provide accessible spaces where people can learn, grow, and thrive.
Guided by passionate volunteers and community leaders, our work brings together families, students, elders, and allies to strengthen identity, preserve heritage, and create a deeper sense of belonging. From cultural festivals to educational initiatives and community support services, CEO is committed to nurturing a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community across Massachusetts.
More then 43+
People Helped
Volunteer
Give your time. Change a life.
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of CEO. From setting up festival grounds to mentoring youth, teaching cultural workshops, and supporting community outreach — there are meaningful volunteer opportunities for people of all backgrounds and skill sets.