Vuonganh Ann Ngo, Executive Director
Known for her compassionate nature and bright smile, Ann Ngo established ImanusT to help alleviate suffering of crisis victims. Her inspiration began on the wake of the Asian tsunami when she sent letters out to her friends and family members requesting donations.
"I wanted to do something," she said. "Anything to help brighten the lives of these people who were experiencing unimaginable suffering."
After only a month, that letter raised over $1,100 for UNICEF. Ann realized that a simple project was greatly rewarding for her and more importantly, those in need. Ann single-handedly launched ImanusT while maintaining excellent grades in graduate school. Within a few months, ImanusT gained four staff members and launched several campaigns to help crisis victims.
Ann holds a bachelor's degree in Social Ecology from the University of California Irvine and a master's degree in strategic public relations from the University of Southern California. Ann is currently attending the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in hopes to gain the legal knowledge to continue the success of ImanusT.
Seth Grugle, Public Relations Director
Even before he could spell "tsunami," Seth Grugle understood the value of compassion and humanity. Whether organizing neighborhood canned food drives during the holidays or donating proceeds from his sidewalk lemonade stands to local schools and churches, Seth has always strived to make a difference.
"When I learned of ImanusT, its mission and goals, I couldn't help but jump onboard," he says. "You always hear 'every little bit helps.' Well, this is my 'little bit.' My hope is that it grows into something magnificent that will touch thousands of lives across the globe."
Seth's creativity and knack for the written word add an innovative flair to the vision of ImanusT. His years of experience in public and media relations, management and event coordination help to bring that vision to fruition.
An account executive at Cohn & Wolfe in Los Angeles, Seth provides administrative support and strategic insight on a myriad of accounts and projects ranging from Corner Bakery Cafe's "Get to Know Your Neighbor" coffee program (a groundbreaking initiative that was ranked 10th in Restaurant Business magazine's "Top 50 Great Ideas" of 2007) and two arts education initiatives for Hilton Hotels: Hilton's "First Theatre Memories" program, created in partnership with the Tony Awards, that allows students the opportunity to experience a Broadway show for the first time, and Hilton's "Instrumental to Learning" campaign, created in partnership with the GRAMMY Awards, that aims to provide schools across the country with gently used and restored musical instruments.
Seth is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he was awarded degrees in journalism, business administration and sociology. Seth received a master's degree in strategic public relations from the University of Southern California this past May. He is an avid singer/songwriter and isn't afraid to unveil his sensitive side through the art of music, ladies.
Jeremy Blake Asmus, Web Designer
Known for his originality and creativity, Jeremy has produced high quality work in hopes of positively affecting others. He became very interested in crisis relief after learning his roommate and good friend from Thailand had friends and family that were injured or killed from the tsunami.
After long-time admiration of his work, ImanusT's Executive Director approached Jeremy to join the web development team. He joined without hesitation.
Jeremy graduated from the University of California San Diego majoring in Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts as well as minoring in Human Development. Currently, he is a web designer/developer for Complete Online Marketing Solutions in Downtown San Diego.
Phi Nguyen, Event Director
Phi Nguyen has been an avid volunteer for hospitals, mentoring programs and pro bono legal clinics throughout her education and career. She is a long-time friend and supporter of Ann Ngo the founder and has been drawn to ImanusT because of the passion and energy of the organization.
"ImanusT is so unique in that it localizes non-profit work and really deals with people and communities on a level that makes each and every person feel that they are truly contributing to something that will have a lasting effect," said Phi. "I also feel that ImanusT has an approach that is very powerful because it focuses on preparing pre-crises. I am so excited to be a part of something that I know will help cushion the aftermath of crises that unfortunately are inevitable in our lives."
Phi Nguyen has a degree from the University of California Irvine with B.A. in Social Ecology and a J.D. from California Western School of Law. She is now an attorney practicing Workers' Compensation defense.
Kelly Ranasinghe, Special Projects Director
As a former Deputy Public Defender and current criminal prosecutor, Kelly contributes to ImanusT with over four years of experience working with indigent, rural and homeless populations. Kelly joined the ImanusT staff with a heartfelt belief in Ann Ngo's principle of "crisis reversal" by long-term support to recovering communities.
Kelly has ample experience with leading a non-profit organization as the previous Chairman of the Board of Directors for The US Amateur Ballroom Dancing Association. He has established liaisons with local dignitaries, fundraised and supervised the association.
In regards to ImanusT's goal, Kelly notes: "The problem low-income regions face when confronted with disasters is not fast and swift economic support at the inception of a crisis, but the steady, long-term support needed to re-develop infrastructure and promote social and economic recovery."
Kelly is published in the field of international criminal law, holds a specialized Juris Doctor in Criminal Law, and an Honors Bachelor in both Comparative Politics and History.
Thien-Vu Le Hogan, General Counsel
Thien-Vu Hogan is ImanusT's general counsel and the executive director's proud sister. She has always wanted to use her legal expertise to help others. ImanusT was the perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream.
"ImanusT is an organization with a big heart," she says. "I wanted to be part of something that makes a difference and where I make the most out of my law background."
Thien-Vu Hogan is currently in private practice. She also works part time for a nonprofit organization. Previously, Thien-Vu worked for the Law Offices of Jones & Mayer where she practiced transactional and municipal law.
Thien-Vu graduated from Whittier Law School where she was the recipient of the Cali Excellence Award in Criminal Law and International Business Transactions and was a member of the Whittier Law Review. She also has a degree in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine.
Joan Ngo, Principle Sponsor
Joan Ngo has been an active philanthropist for over 25 years. Joan has played a crucial role in the launch of ImanusT providing money for all administrative costs.
She also plays an active role in supporting orphans, the elderly, churches and temples in Nepal and Vietnam. She has participated and planned fundraising events for all major crises for the past ten years including the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Joan is an Engineer at the Boeing Company.