Van Dinh-Kuno

Van Dinh-Kuno has served as the Executive Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest since 1991.  As a former refugee from Vietnam, she brings passion, understanding and commitment to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services so all refugees and immigrants can build a better life for themselves and their families.  Under her strong leadership and fiscal management, she has increased their annual operating budget and revenue streams giving RISNW a strong and stable financial position. She developed numerous successful and strategic partnerships with local community colleges, DSHS/CSO, Employment Security, WorkSource, World Relief, the Diocese of Olympia and other local nonprofit providers.

Van obtained a BS degree in Bio Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and is the recipient of numerous awards including Outstanding Service to Minority Communities Award from Baker St. Ministries, Asian Weekly Top Contributor Award in 2015, the Oscar Eason Jr. Community Service Award from the NAACP in 2020, and the Lynnwood Times 2021 Person of the Year.