Meet Rich
He is the founder of Across the Sea Foundation, which he established in 2021 to give back to the community he grew up in—the indigenous villages of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Since 2005, Rich, along with his siblings in the US, has been passionately raising funds and creating opportunities to uplift this community, driven by a deep sense of gratitude and purpose.
Rich’s journey in the U.S. has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Over the years, he has worn many hats—working as a server, cashier, factory worker, manicurist, personal care assistant for individuals with disabilities, nonprofit manager, plant cultivator, language interpreter, infant and childcare specialist, and now, a healing arts practitioner. In 2025, Rich became a licensed massage therapist in Asheville, NC. He also contributed hands-on support during the Hurricane Helen relief efforts, working with the Grassroots Aid Partnership as a lead chef in their food truck.
When he’s not working or volunteering, Rich finds joy in gardening, nature walks, photography, and caring for his many houseplants. In his home filled with greenery, he loves to strum his guitar and practice juggling—a reflection of both his playful spirit and the balance he brings to life.
Meet Nina
Nina is a devoted mother of two and a long-time supporter of families and communities across the sea. She lives in North Carolina where she works as a skilled nail technician, and in her free time, you can find her cooking delicious traditional foods from her homeland.
She is a major contributor to Across The Sea Foundation. As an investor in the community, she has provided funds for businesses and many projects in Vietnam, including building houses, buying farmland, and providing direct aid to villagers for medical and other vital expenses.
For over 20 years, she has selflessly dedicated her time and resources to uplifting others, always leading with compassion and generosity. Her personal motto, “Pay it forward, give to others,” beautifully reflects the heart she brings to everything she does.
Nina’s unwavering commitment to service makes her an invaluable part of Across The Sea. We are truly honored to have her on this journey with us—her presence continues to inspire us all.
Meet Faith
Faith is our Editor-in-Chief and a deeply cherished member of the Across the Sea family. For the past eight years, she has been wholeheartedly dedicated to our mission—nurturing and helping grow the vision of uplifting communities across Vietnam’s Central Highlands and beyond.
In 2022, Faith traveled to Vietnam, where she witnessed firsthand the strength, spirit, and resilience of the communities we serve. She has continued to give generously of her time, energy, and resources to help Across the Sea Foundation to thrive.
After having been a massage therapist for the past 15 years, Faith is currently on the path to becoming a licensed acupuncturist. She is kind, compassionate, and embodies the values of connection, creativity, and mindfulness. In addition to healing arts, her educational background includes social thought and political economy. This enables her to offer critical analysis and brings deep understanding to our mission.
We are truly honored to have Faith as part of our team. Her presence uplifts our work and reminds us of the heart-centered purpose that guides everything we do.
Meet Nghiem
Nghiem plays a vital role within Across the Sea, entrusted with the responsibility of distributing funds to members in her village with care and integrity. Whether the occasion is a joyful community gathering, a celebration of the harvest season, or a time of mourning, Nghiem shows up with unwavering support and commitment.
Known for her infectious sense of humor, she brings light and laughter wherever she goes. In her healing journey, Nghiem describes herself with a smile as someone who has “died and come back to life, again and again.” Her resilience is unmatched, and her unwavering hope for a better future continues to inspire those around her.
A devoted weaver, farmer, and livestock caretaker, Nghiem has also opened her heart and home by adopting her brother’s youngest child, raising her alongside her husband. She embodies strength, humility, and compassion in all that she does. As someone who has stood firmly against injustice in her community, she leads by example and remains a powerful role model for many.
Each year, when her livestock flourishes, Nghiem shares her blessings with neighbors—offering support and nourishment to those in need. Her generosity, courage, and dedication make her an irreplaceable part of our mission. Across the Sea is truly honored to have Nghiem as a cornerstone of our foundation and a guiding light in our shared journey.
Meet Kegan
Kegan is a devoted community builder whose life’s work centers on nurturing people and places so that communities can grow, thrive, and flourish. Their work reflects a profound commitment to rooted, regenerative living and community resilience.
Kegan has been an integral part of our journey from the very beginning—even before Across the Sea Foundation was formally established. They have played a major role in numerous fundraising campaigns, always answering the call in times of need. Their generous offering of time, energy, and resources has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In 2015, Kegan—alongside two of our colleagues—traveled to the Central Highlands of Vietnam, where he immersed himself in the everyday life of the community. During their visit, they assisted with the rice harvest, helped plant fruit trees for the people of Buôn U1 village, and were instrumental in distributing basic necessities such as food and medicine to those in need. Additionally, Kegan donated bicycles to help children gain access to school—a gift that continues to impact young lives today. Their presence was deeply felt and genuinely appreciated by all who met them.
Kegan is truly a gem. Their compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication continue to enrich the work of Across the Sea. We are honored to have them standing in solidarity with the Montagnard peoples, contributing their heart, vision, and tireless dedication to our shared mission.
Meet Teresa
Teresa has been an integral part of the Across the Sea community for over a decade. With a heart devoted to service, she has dedicated her life to supporting others—both in the U.S. and abroad. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and is a proud U.S. military veteran. Teresa works tirelessly to improve the lives of those she serves, guided by compassion, integrity, and deep empathy. As a valued member of our board, she brings wisdom, dedication, and strong leadership to the core of our mission.
In 2016, Teresa, along with three of our friends, traveled to Vietnam. While there, it was only natural for her to immerse herself in the local Montagnard community. Her presence was both supportive and heartfelt, as she connected deeply with the people and culture. During her visit to Buôn U1 village, she generously donated funds to purchase a brand-new motorbike for a community member—a gesture that made a lasting impact on everyday life.
Teresa has played a vital role in many of our fundraising campaigns, offering her time, energy, and resources selflessly. Her continued advocacy on behalf of the Montagnard community—both locally and internationally—reflects her unwavering commitment to justice and equity.
We are truly fortunate to have Teresa as part of the Across the Sea Foundation. Her dedication is not only inspiring, but a living example of the power of solidarity and heartfelt action.
Meet Rebecca
Rebecca has been a cherished member of the Across the Sea family since before its official founding. Known for her generous heart and unwavering dedication, she has spent years uplifting families and supporting community members in Buôn U1 village and its surrounding areas.
Rebecca is deeply connected to her cultural roots, with a profound appreciation for traditional arts, clothing, and cuisine—elements she lovingly collects and celebrates. Her passion for preserving cultural heritage is complemented by her unwavering dedication to service. Whether it’s providing emergency funds for medical needs, investing in the educational future of children, contributing to weddings, or supporting families during funerals, Rebecca is always among the first to offer help. Her commitment to the community is steadfast, and she continues to serve with humility and compassion.
An active and respected member of her local church, she leads with compassion and faith in all aspects of her life. Professionally, she has built a successful career as a skilled nail technician and entrepreneur for over two decades. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends to supporting Montagnard artists, weavers, and craftspeople, ensuring their talents are recognized and their work appreciated.
Rebecca is also a devoted mother of two. In her spare time, she finds joy in cooking traditional meals and sharing them with her community—welcoming everyone to her table with warmth and hospitality.
Her positive outlook, perseverance, and commitment to making a difference inspire us all. We are deeply grateful to count Rebecca as a longtime donor, supporter, and integral part of our mission to transform lives.
Meet Amber
Amber is a multifaceted professional with a degree in International Business and serves as a valued board member of the Across the Sea Foundation. Action-oriented and resourceful, she brings a dynamic range of talents to our team.
As a solopreneur and consultant, Amber specializes in digital strategy and communications. She serves as the foundation’s webmaster and social media consultant, playing a vital role in shaping our online presence and amplifying our mission to a wider audience.
Amber lives in Wyoming and has a passion for travel, exploration, and cross-cultural connection. Her dedication, creativity, and diverse skill set make her an indispensable member of our team. We are proud and grateful to have her as part of the Across the Sea Foundation.