nurse laughing with patient

About Us.

Mobilizing Volunteers for Sustainable Impact in Vietnam

Since 1995, GVI has organized groups of volunteers from around the world to partner with Vietnamese communities, helping them overcome challenges and achieve lasting transformation. With offices in Texas and Hanoi, GVI focuses on sustainable, community-driven initiatives. GVI is a registered 501c (3) non-profit organization based in Keller, Texas (in the Dallas-Fort Worth area) and has a representative office in Hanoi, Vietnam, where it has been recognized by the Vietnamese government as an international non-governmental organization (INGO) since 2005.

Our Mission

Glocal Ventures, Inc. (GVI) is a non-profit organization with its primary objective to promote economic development within Vietnam’s society by establishing a partnership between the U.S. and other countries with Vietnam. We are committed to working and supporting communities to help each other toward a better life for all people within the community.

Why GVI?

Our Work Is Guided By The Following Principles:

Commit Long Term
Go to the Hard Places
Engage Domains of Society Transparently
Respect Local Culture and Authority
Build trust and Friendships
two women working in field

History –

1995
Bob’s First Trip to Vietnam
Broke Ground for a Hospital in Hanoi
1998
Sent First team to Vietnam
2002
Began Working with the Birla Orphanage
2004
Hosted the first Special Education Training Conference
in partnership with Hanoi National University
2005
GVI is Recognized by the Vietnamese Government as an INGO
(International Non-Governmental Organization)
Image from 2005, GVI is Recognized by the Vietnamese Government as an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO)
2007
GVI Opened a Representative Office in Hanoi
Image of 3 men smiling in the GVI office
2008
Community Development work in Lao Cai
Host renowned Vietnamese artist Minh Son in Keller, TX
2009
Lao Cai Government visited Keller, Texas
Business Delegation from the US to Work with the Hanoi Youth Business Association
2012
First Educational Conference
for Lao Cai’s Department of Education
2013
Received an Award from the Vietnam Ophthalmology Association
for Contributions to the National Plan for Blindness Prevention
2014
Opened Rainbow Kinder School for Orphaned Children at SS3 Orphanage
Received an award from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations for Contributions to Socio-Economic Development in Vietnam; Launched the First Master’s Nursing Program at Nam Dinh Nursing University with American Professors
2015
Mr. Bob Roberts Received an Award from the President of Vietnam
for his Efforts in Promoting Friendship Between Vietnam and the U.S. Through Charity Work
2016
Received an Award from Hanoi University of Education
for Outstanding Contributions to the Development of the Special Needs Education Department; Honored by the Lao Cai Government for Contributing to the Educational Development Strategy
2017
First Graduating Class of the Master of Nursing Program
at Nam Dinh University
Happy Graduates
2019
Received an Award from the Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee
for Contributions to Social Security in Hanoi
2020
Launched the Girls’ Club Program
for H’mong Students
2024
Advancements in the Education Domain
Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Rainbow Kinder School for Orphaned Children at SS3 Orphanage; Marked 20 Years of Partnership with the Special Education Faculty at Hanoi University of Education
two women working in field
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Board of Directors

The board of Glocal Ventures, Inc. (GVI) provides strategic oversight, governance, and guidance to ensure the organization’s mission of socio-economic development in Vietnam is effectively carried out.

Dr. Bob Roberts. Jr.
Chairman, GVI Founder 
and President
Kathy Hindman
Treasurer
Lea Manny
Secretary
Donnie McCann
Board Member

Our Team

Thoughtful organization of volunteers requires an “all hands on deck” approach. From our domain advisors to our program directors, each of our team members is uniquely equipped for the task of designing missions efforts that will create a sustainable impact on Vietnam.

Uyen Holdeman
Executive Director
Vu Manh Tan
Vu Manh Tan
Vietnam Country Director
Dr. Scott Venable
Director of Partnership
Niki Roberts
Director of Education Programs
Sheila Joiner
Sheila Joiner
Administrator
Dr. Chris King
Medical Domain Advisor
Lai The Thanh
Lai The Thanh
Program Director
Nguyen Thu Thao
Nguyen Thu Thao
Program Manager
Tran Thanh Nhan
Tran Thanh Nhan
Program Officer
Cao Thanh Thuy
Cao Thanh Thuy
Program Officer
Trinh Lan Trinh
Trinh Lan Trinh
Administrator – Vietnam Office
Nguyen Nhat
Communications Officer