From Vietnamese Refugee to American Entrepeneur and Community Servant
Andre' Tran, MBA '94 - Alumni Profile
Andre’ Tran departed South Vietnam as a refugee at the age of twelve, two months before the fall of his country in 1974. He and his family eventually emigrated to France, where they worked back-breaking hours amidst a severe economic recession to support themselves and send money back to relatives barely surviving in concentration camps. Andre’ eventually earned his PhD from the Sorbonne in Management Information Technology.
While living in France, Andre’ served with the French Cavalry and Paratroopers. Andre’ observes, “I learned the indispensable value of teamwork as I rose through the ranks from private to officer. I have been applying these military experiences to a Harvard Club community service program, advising Navy SEALS on how to transition to the private sector after their SEAL service.”
Andre’ reports, “I started my business career at JP Morgan and eventually moved on to a small start-up in northwest, Microsoft. I had the privilege of getting to know Bill Gates. After rising to the level of division general manager, I knew I needed the skills that an MBA could provide, so I was pleased when I was admitted to the Harvard Business School. Among the most valuable skills I gained were the ability to see the world globally and the knowledge of how to motivate others to contribute to a common mission.”
Since earning his MBA in 1994, Andre’ has devoted himself to entrepreneurial activities. One of his current businesses provides educational support and guidance to students from kindergarten through high school. Andre’ observes, “Growing up poor has shown my brothers and me the true value of education as a social equalizer. This makes us want to give back to the least privileged, as we once were. Each of us has come to believe that one’s life opportunities can be unlimited.”
Andre’ also gives back to the community by serving on the Education Committee of the San Diego Harvard Business School Club, providing training in entrepreneurship and leadership to individuals from not-for-profit agencies as well as the corporate world.
Andre’ is an expert ballroom dancer and he competes at the national level in Argentine Tango. Andre’ offers free classes to San Diego students to offer healthy outlets for after school programming.
By: Joanna Hirst, VP, Harvard Club of San Diego