Jimmy Thai escaped Vietnam and went on to become a leading speaker and builder of schools in underprivileged areas. In this episode, Jimmy shares more about his escape and his journey to becoming an outstanding individual.
Jimmy Thai (MSEE, MBA, PMP, DTM) fled Vietnam 15 times, was imprisoned twice, and witnessed police kill his brother. Through determination, he eventually arrived in America as a “Boat People” refugee. With no English, money, or education, he started as a janitor at Miramar community college. 5 years later, he graduated from UCSD with a BSEE degree. He went on to earn MSEE and MBA degrees, then attended Executive Leadership training at Harvard University and Federal Executive Institute. In 2011, he's cracked the “Bamboo Ceiling” as a Vice President for Technology with SAIC – a Fortune500 company with $11 Billion in revenue and 47K employees. His journey illustrates the American Dream, and his story is featured on ABC, San Diego Union Tribune, Time Warner TV, etc.
A frequent speaker on TED Talks, PMI, CIO Vision, ISC conferences in Las Vegas, New York, Washington DC, and international stages, Jimmy’s speaking, coaching, and training provoke your mind, heart, and humor! His 501.c.3 www.BuildaSchoolFoundation.org (BaSF) has built 81 schools and bridges in Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, and Kenya in 6 years.
Asian vs. Asian-American Stories in Cinema with Arnold Chun │ 2x32
KYCC: A Pillar of Support in Koreatown │ 2x31
CAPE: Pioneering Systemic Change in Hollywood with Michelle Sugihara │ 2x30
Connection through World Music and Dance │ 2x29
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and AAPI Identity │ 2x28
The Rising Generation of Activists │ 2x27
Finishing Feature Films with Stephen Nakamura │ 2x26
AANHPI Women in Military Leadership │ 2x25
Helping Heal At-Risk Youth with Connie Chung │ 2x24
Representation Behind the Scenes │ 2x23
LGBTQ+ Activism in the Military │ 2x22
Health and Wellness with Dr. Cindy Tsai & Dr. Khoa Truong │ 2x21
Cultivating Community for Women of Color with Asha Dahya │ 2x20
Spearheading AAPI in Space with Dr. Leroy Chiao │ 2x19
2Chang: Taking our own Stories Back │ 2x18
Farm to Table Dreams with Chef Lan Thai │ 2x17
The Storytelling Power of Photography │ 2x16
Being Asian in Law Enforcement with FBI Special Agent Stacey Moy │ 2x15
Creating your Own Representation with Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja │ 2x14
The American Secret War in Laos │ 2x13
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