Vienna Hoang

“I recognize the gaps in services and the needs of Iowans with disabilities. Able Up Iowa is a very important partner in bridging those gaps.”

Vienna is the Resource Manager for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS). She is responsible for relationships with various agencies and individuals. She works to develop programs that will support the Employment 1st philosophy – believing that with the right supports and services, everyone can be active participants of integrated, competitive employment. Prior to this role, Vienna was the Assistive Technology Specialist and a Voc Rehab Counselor for IVRS.

Vienna studied mechanical engineering, psychology, journalism and mass communication and received her BS degrees from the University of Iowa. She received her Master’s in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University and a Doctorate of Education from Northwestern University.

Vienna is a refugee from Laos. She and her family sought asylum from the United States to escape a war torn country affected by the Vietnam War. Growing up in South Central Iowa, Vienna learned the customs and generosity of hard working Iowans. At the same time, she watched her father help other refugees gain political asylum through Governor Robert D. Ray's employment program. This program not only benefited Iowa's labor market, but also enriched the cultural diversity of the state. All of Vienna's life, she invested herself in improving the health of Iowans who gave so much to her and her family. She has been serving Iowans with disabilities for almost 30 years and has been the recipient of the Bill Donahue Job Placement Award.