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Hong Le Webb is a woman of many roles. She’s an attorney for Dykema Gossett, PLLC, one of the largest law firms in the Midwest which counts national and multinational corporations among its clientele. Her areas of expertise are corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, international law and investment management.

She’s also a wife and a mother. That her husband happens to be U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) means she gets many requests to chair events and fund raisers for civic causes. Being a working wife and a mom, she tries to limit her involvement due to time constraints, and also because “I take these projects very seriously and want to help in any way I can, rather than just lend my name.”

Recently, she accepted an invitation to chair “We Are America Now Awards” from the Center for Multicultural Human Services (CMHS). The non-profit organization, which provides mental health and related services to ethnically diverse populations in the Greater Metro D.C. area, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

“Certainly, I have a clear respect for what they do,” said Ms. Webb, who was seven years old when her family fled to the U.S. after the fall of what was then South Vietnam. “The work that they do with immigrants to the U.S is an issue that’s dear to my heart.”

“We Are America Now Awards” takes place on November 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the McLean Virginia Hilton. Aside from her, the other speakers are Arlington County Board Vice Chairman Walter Tejada and Cvent Founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal.

Ms. Webb stressed that she would strive to give the Center greater visibility that would enable it to get financial support. She said in a phone interview: “I have indicated to them that I would like to help them in any way I can beyond this one-day event. I would like to help them get public funding and become financially stable and independent, because the work that they do is important to Virginia, and to Fairfax County in particular.”

She added that she respects what the Center does “on a day-to-day basis” in achieving its goals. “They address the needs of the new immigrants, especially those coming from countries where they have been traumatized,” she noted.

Immigrants

Remarked CMHS Director Dennis Hunt: ““One million immigrants live in this region–about one in five of our population. CMHS has taken a leadership role in providing services to our immigrant communities. These communities have made our region vibrant and strong, and the time has come to recognize their positive impact.”

The awards ceremony would recognize both immigrant and non-immigrant individuals and organizations that “have made significant contributions in providing opportunities for immigrants in the community.”

Nominations are being accepted until October 12. Nominations are in the following categories: Civic Leadership, Corporate Leadership, Entrepreneur, Philanthropic, Faith-Based Organization, and Media. For more information, including how to purchase tickets to the event, call (703) 533-3302 ext. 128, or e-mail rdowling@cmhs.org

            Director Hunt told Asian Fortune they were thrilled to have Ms. Webb chair the first-ever event. “She represents immigrants who have achieved amazing things. She came to this country in very difficult circumstances and got to be successful. To be sure, there are many people like her who have become successful against all odds. She represents what’s possible, and that’s really inspiring.”

            The Center’s Director of Development Ricarda Dowling said in a phone interview: “She was very enthusiastic when we called. She reminisced about the early days of her youth when she was a refugee. She told us she wished there had been an organization like ours to help her and her family.”

            She added: “She will speak at the event, and she has also expressed an interest in developing a relationship with us beyond just this event. We are gratified she accepted our invitation because she’s very intelligent, very enthusiastic and very thoughtful.”

Background

Ms. Webb completed an A.B. course with distinction from the University of Michigan and earned her J.D. from Cornell University. She was admitted to practice in Pennsylvania in 1993, in Maryland in 1996 and in D.C. in 1998. She works at Dykema, one of the largest law firms in the Midwest, with offices from coast to coast.

According to the firm’s biographical background, prior to joining Dykema, she was the sole in-house securities counsel to a publicly-traded, international pension and employee benefits consulting firm. She has overseen and advised on international business operations and transactions–particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and also in the European Union, Latin America and Canada.

She provides support to senior management regarding general corporate matters, as well as assistance in connection with the securities, acquisition and commercial contract activities of public and private companies. She also provides advice on the application of U.S. securities laws–particularly to those in the financial services industry, such as investment companies, investment advisers and insurance companies.

Ms. Webb is co-author of Compliance with Lobbying Laws and Gift Rules Guide, “Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions,” published in 1996. She’s a member of the D.C. Bar, Maryland State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. For  six  years until 2002, she served as a member of the Board of Directors of Associated Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Q & A Excerpts

Ms. Webb graciously took the time from her busy schedule to share her views and experiences with the readers. Below are her email replies to the Q & A interview.

What challenges did you face when you came to the U.S.? Do you have any anecdote you can share with the readers?

Because I was surrounded by the security and love of my family and the Catholic parish that sponsored us, I don't recall any major challenges as a child of seven. I remember fondly my mother trying hard to Americanize our diets, because we were going to school with other American children, by giving us cereal and milk for breakfast and sometimes packing us hot dogs loaded with chili. 

Our Asian digestive systems didn't do well with the milk and chili, but we couldn't tell her because she felt it was part of the American experience. During these early years in the U.S., I was more aware of the anxieties and fears of my parents, who did not speak any English. It was very difficult for them to adjust to a small North Carolina town, with only a handful of other Vietnamese families whom we would see a couple of times a year.

I always knew I would finish school and be in a position to be able to support myself.  Among other things, my parents stressed the importance of education and being financially independent, especially to their daughters.

What Vietnamese proverb helped you when you were facing tough times?  

Every conversation with my mother often involved a lesson that is conveyed through proverbs. One such proverb that she often used was “Cai kho bo cai khon,” which means “Adversity brings wisdom.” 

Who are the persons that have influenced you in your life, and why? 

My parents–they were displaced twice by war, and my mother a third time by Hurricane Katrina. They taught me about family love, hard work, and perseverance and to never forget my roots.

What is your typical day/schedule?  

My typical day, I would venture to guess, is very typical of the working mother.  Mornings are hectic because I'm getting ready for work, getting the children ready for their day, and trying to spend some time with them and my husband before I leave the house. I drop off and pick up my older daughter from school a couple of times a week.  She’s finishing elementary school in Maryland, so the commute often complicates the schedule.

In addition to my professional work, my day may also include other functions related to being a Senate spouse, which can often extend the “work” day for both my husband and me. I try to cook most nights, and sit-down dinners as a family are particularly important to me.  Of course, dinner time varies every night, depending on my husband's schedule. We also try to have some down time as a family every night, which sometime means the conversations we engage in while doing dishes and preparing for bed.  Then it starts all over again the next day.  It's not glamorous, but the routine really

grounds us as a family.

What are your hopes for your daughters?

I have two daughters, Emily, 10 and Georgia, 9 months old. I want them to be happy and successful, as defined by them, and to remember their roots. I would love for them both to be able to speak, read and write Vietnamese into adulthood.

How many are you in the family? 

My parents had seven children–one boy, who is the oldest, and six girls.  I am next to the youngest.

What do you do for relaxation?

It varies at different times, but I run, do yoga, crochet, bake, and do Sudoku puzzles.

Based on your and your family’s experiences, what three things are great about America? Freedom and democracy, opportunities for educational and professional advancement, among other things, and the “American way” when it comes to caring for those who are underprivileged and in-need.

I often think about what my life would have been like had I not come to the U.S., and it makes me grateful for all the opportunities I have been given. Consequently, I don't see myself only as a Vietnamese, but also as an American. I’m thankful to be able to vote and to practice my profession. I’m also reminded that the underprivileged and needy are not as far away as Vietnam, Africa and other like countries, but also here in rural Southwest Virginia and much of New Orleans. And I am compelled to give back to the country that has given me and my family so much.