My Backgrounds…

I was 13 when I arrived in the U.S., landing in Minneapolis in the middle of a freezing winter. Everything felt new—the weather, the culture, the language. That experience shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time, but looking back, it gave me a deep appreciation for what it’s like to navigate big life transitions.

I’ve always loved language, culture, and storytelling, which led me to study Communication and East Asian Studies at Augsburg University. Later, I earned a Master’s in Intercultural Relations at Lesley University, focusing on diversity training and consulting. From there, I spent over a decade working in college admissions, counseling, and higher education—helping students figure out their paths, just like I once had to do.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—coordinating programs, leading multicultural recruitment efforts, building community partnerships, and reading countless college applications and essays. No matter the role, my goal has always been the same: to help students see their potential and make college more accessible, especially for those who don’t always see themselves represented in higher education.

One of the most rewarding parts of my career was working with students in Boston public schools, where I developed programs and secured funding to support about 100 students a year—many of them first-generation, like me. I helped families navigate the admissions process, organized campus visits, and guided students toward top colleges and major scholarships.

When my second child was born, I stepped away from full-time work to focus on my family. But I knew I wasn’t done helping students. So, I found a new way to do what I love. I earned a graduate-level certification in College Counseling from UC San Diego and launched Trang College Counseling.

What started as a job has become something much bigger—a passion for helping students tell their stories, find their best-fit schools, and take the next step toward their future.

Visit my LinkedIn page to view my professional experience and skills.

I’m passionate about making college accessible to all students, which is why I volunteer with the Matchlighter Scholars Program, providing free counseling and mentorship to first-generation and low-income students.

Many of my mentees have been admitted to highly selective colleges and earned prestigious scholarships like the Hispanic Fund Scholarship and the full-tuition POSSE Scholarship to Boston University.

Personal…