UMKC’s Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) debuted a new 2024-2025 board in May that aims to increase student outreach on campus.
Co- President Sara Phan plans to introduce brand new events and opportunities open to all UMKC students, aiming to draw more people to the organization.
“By the end of the semester, I hope to make VSA’s name known around our university,” said Phan, a senior health science major. “I want VSA to be known as the organization that has the most creative, fun and welcoming events.”
Vice President John Pham said that while VSA has had some of the same people on the executive board for the last couple of years, the new board consists of more fresh faces.
“The new members have very unique backgrounds and connections that make our work a lot easier and fun to explore,” said Pham.
Phan believes what is so special about the new board is their shared passion for the community and their relationship outside of the club.
“We aren’t just board members, but we are all friends outside this organization,” said Phan. “We all just get along so well and I don’t see any problems arising.”
While this year’s board is smaller than previous VSA executive boards, Phan believes that won’t deter them from reaching their goals. She hopes to take advantage of the connections the new board has both inside and outside of UMKC to help grow VSA, especially through event promotion and marketing.
The group will be introducing new events and opportunities most students will be interested in, said Phan.
“I believe in quality over quantity, because that’s what reels more members in, so I hope to make our events the best of the best,” said Phan.
Phan joined the VSA board in 2022 as the volunteer coordinator. Her experience with community building and outreach reflects in her goals for the organization.
“VSA will represent all Vietnamese students here at UMKC since we are such a tight-knit community here,” said Phan.
Phan and Pham not only hope to reach more Vietnamese students, but to build their relationship with other UMKC clubs and help foster a place where all students can feel welcome.
“We are really trying to revamp VSA to be more inclusive this year,” said Pham. “I hope VSA can be a club where members or nonmembers of all races can just come to relax and make new connections with each other.”
