Thuy was born in Vietnam to a Cambodian mother and American Vietnam Veteran. Today, she is proud to be what is known as Amerasian, although that was not always the case. As a young Amerasian person growing up in the United States, the negative experiences she encountered created pain along with some confusion. Vietnam became something she perceived as a negative and wanted nothing to do with. Fortunately some people intervened in her life to help turn things around.
Under her former work, Thuy Smith International Outreach (TSIO), Thuy organized events that educated about the many different stories, perspectives, and experiences from the American War in Vietnam. For many, this was the very first time their story was ever told. During her time of organizing and bringing people together, she was able to learn not only about their stories, but more about herself, her history and heritage, and healing her own Vietnam. These events also helped people to connect to much needed services and other resources. Thuy also organized and sponsored many humanitarian projects to Vietnam which involved American born Vietnam Veterans as her volunteers. The other events and advocacy under TSIO addressed issues related to Youth Prevention, Addiction Treatment Programs and Recovery, and advocating for addictions and substance abuse as a health issue versus criminal issue. TSIO has now changed to Thuy Smith Outreach International (TSOI). Thuy will continue to bring awareness to various issues that she cares about through a new multi-media platform and as an independent entity. Learn more here |