MCAEL Advisory Group Spotlight: Tho Tran
May 17, 2022
Tell us a little about yourself and what was your entry point into Adult ESOL.
My name is Tho Tran, I am the founder of the Vietnamese American Services, a nonprofit to help Vietnamese community in Maryland. When VAS was established in 2015, we received a first grant from MCAEL to teach English for Vietnamese. Since that time, VAS always has Adult ESOL programs for the community.
Where are you now teaching (or working as an ESOL provider) (at what levels and for which organizations)?
I am working as the Executive Director of VAS.
What unexpected successes or previously unknown capabilities have you and the learners you serve experienced during the pandemic?
People adapted quickly with online learning. During the quarantined time, we had more students because people were staying at home, and we addressed the needs on time.
What role do you play in MAG?
I am a member of MAG’s Learner Leadership Strategic Planning Committee.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Working with good people, help people change their quality of life and achieve their dreams.
What brings you joy outside of your professional life?
I am learning Latin dances.
MCAEL is excited to welcome Benjamin Arnstein to the Board of Directors. Ben brings a diverse background in leadership, entrepreneurship, and operations across technology, logistics, and private equity, with a passion for building organizations that create lasting impact. Currently serving as COO & CFO of Tiny Co. Holdings, Ben helps buy, build, and scale industry-leading SaaS companies, driving growth through operational excellence and strategic investments. He previously served on the executive leadership team at Veho, a last-mile logistics technology company, founded and led the venture-backed restaurant business Kaliflower, and held roles in private equity at Bain Capital and consulting at McKinsey & Company, focusing on strategy, M&A, and performance improvement for global enterprises. Ben holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Duke University. He is particularly inspired by MCAEL’s mission because both of his parents were first-generation Americans, and he has seen firsthand how language access can shape opportunities for families. “There are so many people in my life who have faced challenges navigating systems because of language barriers,” Ben shared. “I’m excited to help MCAEL strengthen its impact for families like my parents and others.” Ben lives in Bethesda, MD with his wife, their two-year-old son, and a second child on the way in January. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, traveling, Duke basketball, and spending time with his family and their dog, Phoebe.
MCAEL is delighted to welcome Raul Elias Ayala (known as Elias Dinzey) to the Board of Directors. In addition to his professional work as Founder of Dondin Capital Partners, Elias volunteers weekly as a teacher’s assistant in a MCAEL coalition program in Rockville. Grateful to serve, he supports teachers and learners with a focus on community impact and helping adult English learners build the confidence to thrive at work, at home, and in the community. “I was raised to leave places better than I found them, and that generational mindset is why MCAEL’s mission, vision, and values resonate with me. When we support teachers and surround learners with belonging and high expectations, English becomes a bridge to dignity and economic mobility. I’m grateful to help MCAEL scale what works so every adult in our community has the language, confidence, and connection to thrive.” Through Dondin Capital Partners, Elias works with founders of companies to transition ownership or grow their company while keeping people and community at the center. He also builds AMR US and QSM national building care platforms that keep schools, restaurants, gyms, and offices clean. Earlier, he co-founded and sold Synergy Reach, a digital marketing agency. Outside of work, Elias enjoys traveling to experience new cultures and exploring great dining. He also prioritizes strength training and mentors emerging leaders.
MCAEL is excited to welcome Alina Ramirez Joyner to the Board of Directors. Alina brings extensive experience as a consultant, advising senior leaders in government, private industry, and nonprofits on corporate social responsibility, community investment, and multicultural engagement strategies in both Mexico and the United States. She serves as Chair of Community and Inclusion in an educational setting, as a financial stewardship advisor, and as a civic community engagement coordinator in Bethesda, MD, where she leads initiatives to foster connection, transparency, and financial sustainability within local communities. Her professional path has included work with domestic and international organizations such as the Embassy of Mexico, the Washington, DC Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, CBS Radio, the Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transportation, Mexico’s Electoral Institute, and various civic and local organizations. She's also collaborated with clients like National Geographic and leading healthcare systems including MedStar Health, Inova, and Adventist HealthCare. “As an immigrant myself, I understand both the challenges and the possibilities of navigating new systems—a perspective that fuels my dedication to advancing language access, inclusion, and fairness as essential tools for community growth and individual success,” said Alina, who is originally from Mexico City. “I integrate global strategy, risk management, and sustainable operations to design systemic solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities, minimizing resource inefficiencies and accelerating social progress. “Joining MCAEL’s Board is an exciting opportunity for me to help harness the transformative power of language to build connections, create a sense of belonging, and open doors for individuals and communities alike. I’m inspired by MCAEL’s mission and look forward to applying my experience in community engagement, fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration to help strengthen and sustain the organization’s impact.” Outside of work, Alina loves exploring art, history, and the outdoors, especially hiking with her family and their dog.
