Vietnamese American Youth Leadership Conference

The Vietnamese American Youth Leadership Conference (VAYLC), based in Springfield, VA, delivers comprehensive leadership development and public service training to emerging young leaders from the Vietnamese American community. Since 1999, VAYLC has organized annual multi-day conferences that equip attendees with essential professional skills including networking, communications, advocacy, financial literacy, and relationship building. The organization's curriculum spans diverse career fields—from public office and non-profit management to entrepreneurship and community organizing—with experienced professionals sharing real-world insights and practical guidance. VAYLC's workshops feature distinguished speakers and past sessions have included site visits to the State Department's Vietnam Desk, presentations on Asian Americans in Public Office by Virginia State Delegate Mark Keam and Town of Herndon Councilmember Grace Han Wolf, and journalism industry perspectives from Washington Post reporter Ylan Mui. A signature component of VAYLC's programming is its exclusive Capitol Hill experience, where attendees directly engage with U.S. members of Congress and their staff to observe lawmakers in action and gain firsthand understanding of the legislative process. The conference serves over one hundred young leaders annually, providing them with mentorship connections and resources to support their professional development. Supported by the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans and numerous partner organizations including State Farm and Boat People S.O.S, VAYLC offers young people passionate about public service and community impact the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to achieve their leadership goals.