BRADLEY IMPACT FUND MEMBER SINCE 2017
1. Why is philanthropy so important to you?
My wife lived in Vietnam until she was sixteen and came here. I was raised in a working-class family. And we’ve succeeded way beyond anything we could even dream of. But we didn’t get there by ourselves. We both attended Marquette University on scholarships, we both had coaches and mentors that have helped us achieve the level of success that we have. And so, it’s really important for both of us to ensure that young people coming up have that same opportunity set that we did.
2. What does “Principled Philanthropy” mean to you?
I think it’s because we worked so hard to develop the resources that enable us to be philanthropic, it is vitally important that we be strategic and deliberate with how we give. And we have certain principles— free enterprise and limited government, for example—that provided the framework that enabled our success. And so, we don’t blindly give to philanthropies that are in direct contradiction to the things that we cherish.
3. What has been of greatest value that the Impact Fund has provided, given your philanthropic approach?
I think the exposure to thought leaders: scholars, nonprofit leaders, people with the boots on the ground who are actually doing the work has been incredibly valuable. You want to be as strategic and deliberate as you can in terms of supporting causes that correspond with your own personal values. And so, the Bradley Impact Fund has been just a terrific resource for my wife and me.
4. The theme for this year’s Impact Conference was American Exceptionalism and the Duty of Citizenship. How does partnering with the Impact Fund in your own philanthropy reflect this theme?
American exceptionalism is such a powerful idea. As Reagan said, we’re never more than a generation removed from tyranny. Freedom isn’t something we’re entitled to, but it’s something we need to tend to and take care of if we’re going to ensure that future generations have those same advantages and blessings that we had. So, partnering with a community like this, that shares our sense of obligation and will respect our intent, couldn’t be more important.