Anh-Thu Vo, the daughter and granddaughter of Vietnamese refugees and a crusader for the right to free expression, has been named a Luce Scholar.
Vo, a 2019 University of Virginia graduate now based in New York City, currently manages research and advocacy at the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center.
Luce Scholars spend a year immersed in language training and culture while working at a job placement in Asia. They live and work throughout Northeast, Southeast and South Asia – in big cities and small villages, and in fields such as public health, the arts, economic development and environmental science, while partnering with nongovernmental and governmental organizations, private companies, universities, think tanks and museums.
“As a Luce Scholar, I hope to be placed in a human rights hub in Asia, such as Thailand, where I can immerse myself in the work of local activists and organizations that focus on free expression, digital rights and human rights advocacy,” Vo said.
Vo sees this opportunity as a way to deepen her understanding of the region and gain practical experience advocating for free expression.
“Learning from local activists will strengthen my skills in coalition-building and cross-cultural advocacy, which are essential for my long-term goal of defending human rights globally,” Vo wrote in an email. “In my current role at PEN America, I lead research and advocacy efforts focused on Southeast Asia, working to defend writers at risk. This includes engaging in multilateral and bilateral advocacy in Washington, D.C., and Geneva, where I champion the rights of imprisoned writers and advocate for their freedom and the protection of free expression.”
Luce Scholars spend a year immersed in language training and culture in Asia, working at a job placement in in a variety of fields, living in large cities and small villages. (Illustration by John DiJulio, University Communications)
Human rights advocacy intrigued Vo from an early age.
“As the daughter and granddaughter of Vietnamese refugees, human rights has been core to my upbringing and something thatI knew shouldn’t be taken for granted,” she said.“At the heart of my work is a belief in the power of free expression to challenge power, promote accountability, and create a more just world.”
At UVA, Vo received a bachelor’s degree in global security and justice and African American studies. She went on to earn a master’s degree in transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law from the Geneva Academy of Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in Switzerland. She honed her research abilities in her UVA capstone project, which centered on social media in the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.
“My time at the University of Virginia was instrumental in preparing me for this opportunity,” Vo said. “Beyond academics, my involvement with UVA’s community taught me the value of allyship and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices – skills I carry into my advocacy work today.”
In addition to her role at PEN America, Vo has worked for the International Rescue Committee, supporting vulnerable communities and advancing human rights and humanitarian issues.
“The Luce Scholarship directly aligns with my career arc, as it allows me to deepen my understanding of the regional dynamics and gain practical experience,” Vo said.
Vo said she was attracted to the Luce Scholars Program because of its focus on fostering cultural understanding, building cross-border connections and providing opportunities to work with local organizations.
