Today we’d like to introduce you to Quynh Tran
Hi Quynh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since its establishment in 1980, the Vietnamese Community in Memphis has been a beacon for Vietnamese immigrants, providing a cultural sanctuary and a sense of belonging. Initially, our organization’s primary mission was to host a Lunar New Year celebration for the Vietnamese community with free admission, fostering a space for cultural preservation and celebration. Over the years, as the community grew, the need for dynamic leadership became apparent. In 2023, I, Quynh Tran, was recruited to help lead this evolving group. Today, the Vietnamese-American Community of West Tennessee is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization driven by a dedicated team of volunteers, all professionals passionate about preserving and promoting Vietnamese and the broader Asian cultural heritage.
Imagine stepping into the vibrant energy of an Asian Night Market right here in Memphis—an experience so unique, it’s like a passport to a whole new world. This isn’t your typical American festival; night markets are a staple in Asia, but each country’s market sticks to its own traditional foods. For example, you wouldn’t find Filipino or Thai dishes in a Vietnamese night market. But here, we bring together an array of street foods from across Asia, offering a taste of several cultures in one festive evening.
Growing up in Vietnam, my after-school hours were a thrilling adventure. Dressed in our white Vietnamese Ao Dai, my friends and I, a group of giggling teenage girls, would flock to the local street food vendors. Amidst bursts of laughter and innocent giggles, we’d savor the flavors of fried fish balls, pancakes, banh khot, banh beo, and even daring bites of balut. Our gatherings were filled with lively, carefree conversations that flowed as freely as the aromatic scents around us. We didn’t just eat; we shared stories, exchanged jokes, and reveled in the joyous camaraderie of youth. These cherished childhood memories remain vivid and dear to me, even after coming to America. They speak profoundly to the sense of community and culinary delight that shaped my early years and continue to inspire my efforts to recreate similar experiences here, connecting with others through the rich tapestry of our shared cultural heritage.
Inspired by these fond memories, we are eager to bring this magical experience to Memphis. For many Americans who haven’t had the chance to travel to Asia, this night market offers a unique opportunity to dive into its rich street food culture. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an evening out where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Asia. Join us for a night that promises not just food, but an unforgettable cultural journey filled with the same vibrant spirit of those evenings I cherished as a child in Vietnam.
Last year’s inaugural Asian Night Market at Crosstown Concourse was a sensational hit, featuring 40 dynamic vendors, including 30 dedicated food vendors. While we hoped for a solid turnout of around 4,000 attendees, the excitement exceeded all expectations with an astonishing 8,000 people joining us from across and beyond Tennessee. The fervor was palpable—remarkably, 80% of our vendors sold out their offerings within the first two hours!
Riding the wave of last year’s overwhelming success, we’re thrilled to announce that this year’s Asian Night Market will be held at Tiger Lane in Liberty Park—a venue significantly larger to match our growing aspirations. This expansion has necessitated an admission fee of $10 for advance purchases and $15 at the door, ensuring we continue to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience. We’re exhilarated to have over 80 vendors lined up, with over 60 food vendors representing 13 Southeast Asian countries, ready to tantalize your taste buds. With over 11K people already expressing their interest, we’re gearing up for another spectacular celebration of Asian cultures. Join us for a night of delicious food, vibrant culture, and unforgettable memories at this year’s Asian Night Market!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Despite last year’s tremendous success, we encountered significant challenges as it was my first year leading the organization of the Asian Night Market. We were critically understaffed, with only 4-5 volunteers available on event days, leading to logistical issues. Additionally, convincing vendors to participate was initially difficult, as many were skeptical about the turnout and their potential sales. As a free event, we relied heavily on our sponsors, and I am deeply grateful for their robust support.
This year, we have managed to overcome some of these obstacles. Witnessing the strong community support and turnout last year, vendors were more willing to participate. However, transitioning to a larger venue at Tiger Lane in Liberty Park necessitated nearly doubling our vendor count, and attracting 80 vendors proved challenging. Moreover, the introduction of an admission fee was met with some resistance. It’s important to understand that the costs associated with organizing such a large-scale event have increased significantly. As volunteers, we do not receive any compensation; our goal is merely to cover our expenses and to raise funds to support cultural events like the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
We hope the community understands the necessity of these changes and continues to support us. Our aim is not only to cover costs but also to ensure the sustainability of this vibrant event. This event is not just a one-time celebration but a platform that allows us to share and celebrate our rich cultural heritage annually. Your ongoing support is essential for us to keep bringing this beloved event back to the city each year.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I hold a PhD in Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics. My career has spanned academic settings, corporate environments, and, most recently, a research-oriented role where I use my bioinformatics and machine learning expertise to address complex biological challenges. Throughout my career, I have developed strong people skills which have been invaluable in leadership positions.
When the VAC board approached me, it was unexpected, but after thoughtful consideration, I accepted a leadership role. I dedicate my weekends and time off to this community work to ensure it does not interfere with my professional obligations. My goal is to foster unity and pride within the Vietnamese community in Memphis and to enhance the visibility and influence of the Asian community at large. The support from my husband has been crucial in managing these commitments.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks has been a pivotal aspect of my personal and professional growth. One of the major risks I took was transitioning from an academic position to a corporate role, which required relocating my family to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This decision was not just a career move—it was a life-changing event for my entire family. The move broadened my professional network and shifted my perspective on career development and life priorities. It was a challenging yet enriching experience that taught me and my children to be adaptable and resilient. After two years, we moved back to Memphis for a position at St. Jude, which felt like a culmination of the lessons and strengths we had gathered from our previous experience. This journey has profoundly shaped my abilities as a leader, teaching me the importance of support systems, particularly the unwavering support from my husband. This experience affirmed my belief that embracing well-considered risks while challenging leads to substantial personal and professional growth.
Pricing:
- $10 admission ticket (now to July 20)
- $15 admission ticket at the door
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nightmarketmemphis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vietmemphis?igsh=YWlieDA3OTVvNDAw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093302065546&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VACMemphis
- Other: https://www.congdongviet-memphis.com
