Meet Hon

My name is Hon Lien, and my story is one of resilience, gratitude, and service

In Search of Freedom

I was born in Bac Lieu, a small coastal town in southern Vietnam. My father was born in China and later settled in South Vietnam, where he married my mother and together they raised our family of eleven children.

In 1978, everything changed. Like thousands of other families seeking freedom, we escaped Vietnam in a small boat, leaving behind everything. We spent 13 months in a refugee camp in Malaysia before arriving in the United States on December 26, 1979.

That same evening, after safely bringing his family to freedom, my father suffered a stroke and passed away shortly afterward.

His final gift to us was the opportunity to live in freedom.

Hon (back row, right) and her family upon arrival at Malaysia, 1979.

With my father gone, our family faced enormous challenges. At just 14 years old, while attending George Washington High School in San Francisco, I began working to help support my mother and my brothers and sisters. Those early years taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. They also taught me never to take opportunity for granted.

When my family moved to Milpitas in 1999, I knew we had found a place where our children could thrive. Milpitas offered excellent schools, a welcoming and diverse community, and the opportunity to build a future alongside families from many different cultures. As immigrants, we found not only a home but a community where we truly belonged.

I will never be able to repay my parents for the courage they showed when they placed their children into a small boat in search of freedom. Their sacrifice made every opportunity in my life possible.

Hon (first in red from right) graduating from George Washington High School in San Francisco, 1984.

Hon with her mom in front of Golden Gate Bridge, 1982.

A Lifetime of Leadership

I am equally grateful to America, the country that welcomed my family and gave us a second chance. Along the way, I was blessed by the kindness of people who helped us begin our new life. Their generosity inspired me to live with the same spirit of service. Giving back to others became more than a responsibility—it became a way of life.

As an entrepreneur, I have built several businesses throughout my career. While many were successful, the businesses that did not succeed were just as valuable because they taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of learning from failure.

In 1987, I co-founded Sunnyvale Seafood Corporation and served as its Chief Executive Officer. What began as a small business grew into a company employing 55 people and generating more than $60 million in annual revenue while distributing seafood throughout California and across the United States. Leading a diverse workforce taught me that great ideas and meaningful contributions come from people of every background and every level of education. Leadership is about listening, respecting others, and helping people succeed together.

In 2002, I co-founded L&D Enterprise in Vietnam, where I continue to serve as Co-Owner and Executive Director. The company manufactures, packages, and exports food products to the United States and Europe. Working internationally has given me a deeper appreciation for how American leadership, free enterprise, and strong partnerships can create opportunities that improve lives around the world.

Hon with her youngest brother in front of Sunnyvale Seafood, 1998.

Hon with her staff at Sunnyvale Seafood bringing in the Lunar New Year, 1998.

A Lifetime of Service

I am also a proud mother of four wonderful children. Raising a family while building businesses and serving the public has reinforced my belief that success comes through hard work, perseverance, and treating others with dignity and respect.

For many years, I have had the privilege of serving our community in a variety of leadership roles. Each experience has strengthened my belief that effective leadership begins with listening, building trust, and ensuring that every voice is heard.

My public service includes:

Council Member, City of Milpitas (2022–Present)
Board Member, Milpitas Unified School District (2017–2022)
Board President, Milpitas Unified School District (2020)
Board Vice President, Milpitas Unified School District (2019)
Board Clerk, Milpitas Unified School District (2018)
Planning Commissioner, City of Milpitas (2014–2017)
Vice President of Commercial Lending, United Commercial Bank (2009–2015)
Trustee and Treasurer, Lincoln Law School of San Jose (2003–2010)
Executive Member, Silicon Valley Children's Hospital Foundation (2003–2010)
Member of San Jose Rotary and Milpitas Rotary Club since 2004, including serving on the International Committee and as a two-term President of the Milpitas Rotary Club.
Through AGAPE, a humanitarian organization based in Sweden, I helped provide more than 20,000 wheelchairs and hospital beds to hospitals and clinics in Vietnam.

Hon getting sworn into Milpitas City Council by her youngest daughter. Sydney, 2022.

Everything I have accomplished is rooted in one simple belief: when you have been given an opportunity, you have a responsibility to help create opportunities for others.

America gave my family hope when we had none. It gave us freedom when we had lost everything. My parents risked their lives so their children could have a future, and I have dedicated my life to honoring their sacrifice through service to others.

I believe deeply in the American Dream because I have lived it. I know that in this country, hard work, determination, and integrity can change lives. That belief continues to guide me every day as I work to serve the people of Milpitas and to help build a stronger community for future generations.

My family's journey to America shaped who I am.

My parents risked everything so their children could have the opportunity to live in freedom. Their courage gave me the chance to build a business, raise my family, and dedicate my life to serving others.

As an entrepreneur, school board trustee and president, planning commissioner, City Councilmember, volunteer, and community leader, I have always believed that leadership is measured not by titles, but by service. Every opportunity I have received has strengthened my commitment to give back to the community that has given so much to my family.

Hon in Milpitas City Council, 2024.