Welcome Emily S. Tieu to the Office of Immigrant Affairs team

In September 2025, we welcomed Emily Tieu as the Welcoming Network VISTA at the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs for the 2025-2026 service year. She will help build capacity for the program. We're excited to introduce her to you.

Key activities for her Serve Philadelphia service year will include:

• Creating, establishing, and refining systems and tools to support productive collaboration among program members.
• Convening groups through info sessions, program launches, and general meetings to identify shared goals and work collectively toward the Network's vision and purpose.
• Supporting the planning and partner engagement for the Welcoming Network's second Action Team Project: The Immigrant Wellness Workshop for Welcoming Week 2026 in September.

We asked Emily a few questions to get to know her better.

What do you like the most about your role VISTA role with the Office of Immigrant Affairs?

My name is Emily Tieu and I'm an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving as the Welcoming Network VISTA in the Office of Immigrant Affairs at the City of Philadelphia. My favorite part of my role is continuing to strengthen connections with the network of community leaders and advocates supporting immigrants in Philadelphia, specifically the Welcoming Network's Steering Committee and Action Teams. In this role, I coordinate monthly Committee meetings and manage an Action Team project focused on increasing accessibility to behavioral health services for immigrants.

Why did you choose Welcoming Network Project as your VISTA project?

I was drawn to the Welcoming Network program because of its focus on community-led and collaborative program development. I'm excited to contribute to the city's immigrant-serving ecosystem while continuing to build my skills in program management and equitable community engagement. As a first-generation queer Asian American woman, my commitment to supporting immigrant communities is also deeply personal.

Tell us a little about your professional background

I graduated from Vassar College in May 2024 with a B.A. in International Studies, concentrating in Political Science and Education, and double minors in Russian Studies and Carceral Studies. Previously, I worked as a Case Manager at Exodus Transitional Community, a nonprofit supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, where I connected justice-impacted participants to workforce development programs, social service benefits, and educational opportunities. I also designed a digital skills handbook, tracked participant progress, and assessed program effectiveness. In addition, I bring over five years of administrative experience and four years of youth program coordination. Since moving to Philadelphia earlier this year, I've also worked as a server, food runner, and host at Sabrina's Cafe in University City.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I look forward to building confidence in my capacity while advancing the long-term sustainability of the Welcoming Network program. I'm especially enthusiastic about contributing to this Action Team project and supporting the group as they guide its direction and structure. My passion for advancing accessibility to mental health services makes this opportunity particularly meaningful, and I'm excited to help bring it to life.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I was born and raised in San Jose, CA (in the Bay Area) to two immigrant parents from Japan and Taiwan. My love language is food, and when I'm not working, I'm usually cooking new recipes or crafting experimental cocktails. In my free time, I love taking dance classes at Urban Movement Arts, exploring art museums and gardens, and eating my way through Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods.

The first completed project of the Welcoming Network is the Welcoming Community Resource Finder. Use the tool to find resources for newcomers to Philadelphia. Contact [email protected] for feedback.