Luu Thi Ahn Loan: WILD 2006 Alumna from Vietnam
"Shared experiences from my MIUSA sisters inspired me to do something for women with disabilities in Vietnam."
Involvement with MIUSA:
Country: Vietnam
What impact did MIUSA have on you personally and professionally?
Before attending MIUSA's program, I did not know where and how I could start to work with women with disabilities. Shared experiences from my MIUSA sisters inspired me to do something for women with disabilities in Vietnam. As a result, I was a project coordinator in Leadership for Women with Disabilities that was funded by the Ford Foundation.
Tell us your favorite MIUSA memory or experience.
I love all activities that MIUSA organized during the training. I could not believe I could climb on the tree and swing. When I climbed high enough and started swinging, I closed my eyes and "prayed." My friends shouted and encouraged me, which made me more confident. Then I opened my eyes slowly and found that how wonderful it was.
Camping was a great time, too. I had more opportunities to learn from different organizations working for people with disabilities and saw my friends to play different musical instruments.
What are you doing now?
I got a full scholarship from the Ford Foundation to pursue my master's degree in the U.S. Now I am studying Social Work in George Warren Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis.
What message do you have for MIUSA on its 30th Anniversary?
I hope there will be more organizations to address disability rights and women's issues around the world like MIUSA. I hope your 30th Anniversary is successful. Loud, Proud, & Passionate!(sm)
