Lillian is a first-generation immigrant from Vietnam, a college graduate, and a proud beneficiary of the TRIO programs, including Talent Search and Upward Bound. She is a passionate advocate for educational access and equity, specializing in career education to help young people set and achieve meaningful career and life goals.

Lillian’s professional journey began at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a degree in Japanese and Asian Studies and worked as a Career Assistant at the Notre Dame Undergraduate Career Center. After graduation, she spent a year teaching English in Japan through the JET Program. She then returned to the United States and earned a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Illinois.

At Illinois, Lillian worked as a Career Counselor and Employer Relations Manager at The Career Center, where she facilitated connections between students and employers to support their transition to gainful employment. She later returned to the University of Notre Dame, where she played a key role in redesigning a career strategy course for all graduate business students and served as a Career Coach for MBA students in the General Management Career Track.

Before relocating to Southern California, Lillian spent three years in Cambridge, UK with her family. She then joined Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA, as Associate Director of Career Services, where she led on-campus recruiting, managed employer relationships, and successfully transitioned services from in-person to virtual during the pandemic.

Lillian is currently with Summer Search, where she continues to support participants and alumni in all aspects of career education, job search strategies, and professional development.

Outside of work, Lillian enjoys Asian dramas, writing, and traveling with her husband, Tommy, and their son, Khai.  She is a self-proclaimed miles and points expert in award travels.