Thanh Ngoc Nguyen is co-founder and member of board of directors of Social Assistance Program for Vietnam (SAP-VN), a nonprofit organization founded in 1992. He served as SAP-VN's secretary from 1992-1995. Since 1995, Thanh has been president of SAP-VN. Thanh left Vietnam in 1982 as a boatperson and came to America in 1983. He graduated from U.C. Irvine with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 1989. He earned a Master's degree in Computer Education from C.S.U Los Angeles in 1993.

From 1989-1994, Thanh taught mathematics and computer education at Madison Junior High (Los Angeles Unified School District). From 1994-1996, Thanh taught at Ralston Intermediate in Garden Grove. Since 1996 to present, Thanh teaches mathematics and serves as computer network administrator at La Quinta High School in Westminster, CA. A resident of Garden Grove, CA., Thanh is married to his wife, Ann, for 15 years. They have two children, Vincent Tam and Monica An.

As a refugee who came to America in 1982, I was given ample of opportunities to start my new life. Now that I have a happy family, a fulfilling career and a stable future, I would like to help handicapped children in Vietnam achieve their dreams. As a co-founder and member of board of directors of Social Assistance Program for Vietnam (SAP-VN), I have a chance to make that wish come true. By providing corrective surgery to these children, SAP-VN gives them the critical first step to overcome their handicaps and strive for a better and brighter future.

Charity starts from my heart. Compassion is my guiding light. Honesty is my trademark. (In fact, it is my name.) Giving and sharing are my most valuable assets. In doing so, my life has been enriched and fulfilled. During my annual Vietnam trip, I was introduced as the benefactor, the sponsor, the president of SAP-VN. However, I believe that the children whom SAPVN helps are my benefactors. These children have brought me peace and happiness. They have made my life more meaningful. They have invoked the sense of humanity in me: To love others like I love myself.