Xin chào!

I’m Emily Tran.

My work lives at the intersection of community, care, advocacy, and belonging. My journey has taken me through healthcare, aging and disability advocacy, public service, community organizing, and higher education, and continues to evolve through theological study, congregational engagement, and creative works.

Across these spaces, I am interested in how we care for one another, build communities where people can belong, and create systems that are more responsive to the people they serve. Whether I am working alongside older adults, developing community-based programs, exploring faith and congregational life, or preserving stories through textiles, I am drawn to work that honors people's experiences and strengthens connection.

This site brings together different parts of my journey. Explore my professional and community work, leadership and advocacy, academic and theological journey, writing and reflections, or creative projects, including The Mourning Stitch.

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Media Mentions

Click on the links to access articles and videos to learn about past projects I’ve been associated with.

SDSU Student Highlight article

SDSU IGA article

San Diego Union Tribune article

“We Belong in California” by The California Endowment. Every Part of Us Belongs in California. Emily shares their inspiring story of belonging, recognizing the power that comes from finding your voice and sharing every part of themselves, that makes up the unique fabric of California. #WeBelongInCA campaign.

https://www.calendow.org/belonging-campaign/

Emily Tran featured in a 2020 Census video when she was a community organizer for “Viet Vote” (now known as “Viet Voices”).

https://www.vietvoices.org/the-census

The SDSU Center for Age Related Excellence (CARE) addresses issues that impact the health, well-being and quality of life for older adults from diverse populations. CARE is a public, private partnership for research, innovation and implementation. CARE will lead SDSU to be the first Age Friendly University in San Diego with a focus on interprofessional and intergenerational lifelong learning. See 2:27 min mark for my thoughts

Emily Tran featured in a 2020 Census video when she was a community organizer for “Viet Vote” (now known as “Viet Voices”).

https://www.vietvoices.org/the-census

Career Path

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Career Path *

  • Role: Management Analyst 2 - Healthy and Age-Friendly Initiatives

    • Initiated the research, development, implementation, and evaluation of the pilot Shallow Rental Subsidy program for Chula Vista 55+ older adult residents that serves 40+ households per year.

    • Provided case management to support rental subsidy recipients to reduce financial barriers with rent and guide them to housing stability.

    • Managed, maintained, and completed the $3 million state-funded community shuttle program.

    https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/housing-and-homeless-services/healthy-age-friendly-chula-vista-initiatives/

  • Role: Community Organizer

    • Viet Voices (formerly known as Viet Vote) is dedicated to building a resilient and thriving Vietnamese community in San Diego. Through grassroots community organizing, we seek to elevate the voice of the Vietnamese community to empower them to create a future of abundance for all. We focus on events, outreach, training, and civic engagement to strengthen the power of the Vietnamese people and advocate with our historically underserved community at every level of governance.

    https://www.vietvoices.org/

  • Role: Assistant Director of Healthcare Services

    • Since becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in 2013, Emily has dedicated part of her career to serving vulnerable populations, specifically senior citizens within Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs). Currently licensed by the BVNPT and certified as an RCFE Administrator in California, Emily has served as a Charge Nurse, Director, and Administrator for various facilities throughout Orange County. Her extensive clinical expertise includes developing over 50 policies and procedures for senior assisted living communities.

    • One-of-a-kind, nonprofit assisted living and memory care communities are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

      https://www.heritagepointe.org/

Career Path

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Career Path *

Academic Path

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Academic Path *

  • Major: Gerontology

    Gerontology concerns itself with the study and application of knowledge about the physical, social, and economic conditions of older people. Since the process of aging touches all aspects of human activity, gerontology is multidisciplinary in nature.

    Currently pursuing a Master in Public Health

    Years: 2020 - Current

    • Major: Nursing

    • Grade: GPA 3.68

    • Activities and societies: Dean’s List Recipient– Terms 1, 2, & 4; Cum Laude 2012

    • Years 2010 - 2012

  • Major: Psychology

    • Grade: GPA 3.8

    • Activities and societies: Cum Laude 2008 Member of: Alpha Gamma Sigma – California Community College Scholastic Honor Society Psi Beta – National Honor Society in Psychology Phi Theta Kappa – International Honor Society of the two-year college

    • Years 2005 - 2008

Academic Path

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Academic Path *