Kim Ngo and her family truly embody the American Dream.

Her father fled Vietnam in 1986 to escape persecution. And when Ngo joined him in Marin County, Calif., seven years later, she was a 10-year-old who understood no English and little about American culture.

Today, she’s a branch manager at $7.1 billion asset Patelco Credit Union in Pleasanton, Calif., and a 2019 Credit Union Rock Star, sponsored by Fiserv.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Ngo discusses her path to Patelco, her approach to leadership, her love of volunteering, and more.

You can listen and subscribe to the CUNA News Podcast in Apple’s iTunes Store, Spotify, Google Play, and Stitcher Radio.

In this episode:

1:06: How Ngo came to Patelco—and credit unions

1:54: Her award-winning leadership style

4:23: Immigrating to the United States from Vietnam

5:17: The challenge of learning English as a fourth grade student

6:43: Ngo’s volunteer work to protect nail salon workers

9:26: Giving back to the local Vietnamese American community

10:41: Her experience teaching college courses

11:52: What motivates Ngo’s community service

12:56: Looking ahead in her career and volunteerism