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Leading with Hope: A Year-End Message from Our CEO
Annie Lee
Co-creator & CEO of Seeds4Hope
Annie@seeds4hope.org
As I reflect on 2024, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible Seeds4Hope community. Together, we have made extraordinary strides in empowering young people to see themselves as leaders. None of this would have been possible without your unwavering belief in and support for our mission.
2024 has been nothing short of transformative for Seeds4Hope. From mentoring 64 Rising Leaders across Southeast Asia to hosting our first-ever Leadership Empowerment Conference in Laos, we have seen firsthand the power of mentorship, collaboration, and hope. Through 700 hours of one-on-one mentorship sessions and 36 hours of group workshops, our programs have equipped Rising Leaders with the guidance and tools they need to take bold steps toward their futures.
One of the year’s brightest highlights was our first-ever banquet fundraiser, hosted by our mentors and team in Minnesota. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors and attendees, we raised an incredible $25,000! These funds are being reinvested into our programs to provide scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and impactful workshops—ensuring that the seeds we plant today grow into thriving futures.
Another exciting milestone was receiving our first-ever grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center for a new storytelling project. This initiative will amplify the voices of our community by sharing powerful stories of resilience and transformation. We are thrilled about this opportunity to collaborate and strengthen our community here in the USA.
Our scholarship program has also made a profound impact. This year, we awarded $5,500 in scholarships to 17 recipients, helping young leaders like Ntxawm return to school in China after facing financial challenges and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs like Lig to launch their own business. These stories inspire us to continue creating opportunities for youth who aspire to lead.
The dedication of our 39 mentors and the 7,002 volunteer hours contributed by our core team of 15 volunteers—valued at $175,050—are testaments to the strength of our community. Their tireless efforts to guide and uplift our Rising Leaders reflect the values at the heart of Seeds4Hope: co-creation, collaboration, and community.
As we prepare for 2025, I am excited to share that we’ve successfully completed recruitment and training for our next mentorship cycle. Starting in January, we will welcome 64 Rising Leaders, 37 dedicated mentors, and 11 English mentors to the Seeds4Hope Mentorship Program. Over the next six months, we will hold monthly sessions tailored to help each Rising Leader achieve their personal goals and host multiple community discussions to provide spaces for reflection, exploration, and reimagining possibilities. These experiences will help our Rising Leaders find their unique voices and make meaningful choices for their futures.
While this year has been filled with remarkable achievements, it has also presented challenges. Navigating international compliance as we expand has required us to pause and realign our efforts to ensure long-term sustainability. These obstacles have strengthened our resolve and clarified our focus on building strong foundations for lasting impact.
Looking ahead, we have set ambitious goals for 2025. Our focus is on strengthening our programs, increasing mentor and volunteer retention, and expanding our organizational capacity. By implementing innovative tools and resources, we aim to enhance the experience for our rising leaders and mentors, ensuring that every interaction leaves a lasting impact.
Your support has been the driving force behind all we’ve accomplished. Whether you donated, volunteered, attended our events, or shared our mission, you have played an essential role in creating opportunities for youth leadership and community transformation.
As we approach a new year, I invite you to dream with us. Imagine a world where every young person unlocks their leadership potential, breaking cycles of poverty and fostering positive change in their communities. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
Infinite, Love & Gratitude,
-Annie Lee
News & Updates
Join us in closing the opportunity gap for young men and women in southeast asia.
90+ RISING LEADERS
Laos, Vietnam, China, and Japan
700+ HOURS OF MENTORSHIP
$10,300 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
Lee Preslandbyrne
Learning Designer, VA
"One of the most rewarding aspects of being a mentor at VMP was the opportunity to use my design skills to help these young women. I was able to create materials that helped them understand complex design concepts and apply them in their work. Not only did I get to use my design skills to make a positive impact, but also taught English to these young women. It was amazing to see their progress and growth over time, and I felt so proud to have played a part in their success."
Dr. Xee Xiong
Talent Development Trainer, WI
"Serving as a mentor for Vivncaus Mentoring Program was an immensely fulfilling and enriching opportunity in my life. It afforded me the chance to contribute to the next generation while also gaining valuable insights into empowering and supporting young women. Witnessing the growth and progress of my mentees was truly awe-inspiring."
Entrepreneur & Healthcare Advocate, CA
"Volunteering for VMP has been fulfilling and delightful. I have the privilege of working alongside an exceptional group of women whose kindness and compassion knows no bounds. They are true champions of the cause, dedicating countless hours towards making a difference in the lives of others. As for the mentees, their eagerness and determination are simply remarkable! Their drive and enthusiasm motivate me to do my best every day. It's an honor to be part of this phenomenal sisterhood, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to create a positive impact in the community."
Nurse, OR
"Thank you Vivncaus Mentoring Program for the opportunity to meet other Hmong women and young sisters from different parts of the world. It’s an honor to witness the development of young women and rising leaders. VMP not only allows me to share my knowledge with other Hmong sisters, but it also provides me the opportunity to learn from them. Thank you for supporting the growth and learning of women."
Who we are
Seeds4Hope is a global team of mission-driven people working together to create a better world by helping young people develop their capabilities and capacities as leaders. We believe that young people are the future leaders of their communities and countries; therefore, their empowerment is a critical factor in poverty reduction as well as fostering social and economic development.
what we do
We empower young people worldwide to see themselves as leaders by providing personal leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement.
