Ngọc Châu and baby Eduardo pose next to sunflowers during our team bonding trip to the pumpkin patch
As we say goodbye to our lovely former team member, Ngọc Châu, we take a moment to reflect on the memories and impactful contributions she made during her time at FuturesNW. Ngọc Châu has been a dear part of our team for the past year and a half. She recently embarked on a new chapter in her career with Mercy Housing, and we couldn't be more excited for her. Given that Mercy Housing is a partner of ours, we are delighted to continue our relationship with her.
As our former Financial Aid & Mentorship Program Assistant, Ngọc Châu played an important role at FuturesNW. Her exceptional relationship-building skills allowed her to build rapport with students and foster meaningful connections with teachers and community partners. Her trilingual abilities in Spanish, Vietnamese, and English made her an indispensable asset in bridging communication gaps with students and families while simultaneously building trusting relationships. She also collaborated with volunteers and other FuturesNW partners to develop DVR presentations and facilitate workshops for students at Lummi Nation School.
Ngọc Châu smiles with Karina and community volunteers at the Skagit Valley College Learning with Leaders event
Ngọc Châu, Megan, and baby Eduardo pose for a photo during our team bonding event at Park Bowl
Reflecting on her time at FuturesNW, Ngọc Châu expressed her deep appreciation for the welcoming and accommodating environment. She mentioned that one of the things she will miss the most is the FuturesNW team and students we serve. “FuturesNW has always been very welcoming. After I had my baby, they were so accommodating, and always providing extra love to me and my family,” she said. She also expressed her admiration for the team’s shared commitment to this work and our drive to go above and beyond for students and their families.
“They’re more than just a team, they’re like family too.
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Ngọc Châu and baby Eduardo pose during Quickstart to College at Western Washington University
Although we will dearly miss Ngọc Châu, we are thrilled for her as she steps into her new role as the Youth Initiatives & School Liaison at Mercy Housing, all while continuing to lend her talents to regional financial aid efforts. At Mercy Housing, she will continue to break down barriers for students and families unfamiliar with inequitable systems. As a driving force behind providing resources and information about post-secondary pathways, she will supervise after-school programs, network with local partners, and work closely with students and families at Trailview Apartments.
Despite Ngọc Châu entering her new role, she emphasizes that students and partners are still more than welcome to reach out to her, at NgocChau.NguyenTruong@MercyHousing.org.
We look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will undoubtedly continue to create in her new endeavors. Ngọc Châu, cheers to your continued success!