Viengvilay Weis is a HOPE Toledo Pre-K parent and a passionate advocate for early childhood education. A refugee from Laos, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 with her family of eight. Her father, an exiled member of Laos' educated class, instilled in her the belief that education is the key to success. As the only member of her family to graduate from university, Viengvilay prioritized building a strong educational foundation for her own children.

She is a mother of three—her eldest attends college in Chicago, while Malee (8) and Milo (6) are thriving in their early education. HOPE Toledo played a crucial role in Milo’s development, fostering his love for learning and helping him build essential social skills.

Professionally, Viengvilay has a background in hospitality, having worked in NCR Corporation’s Hospitality Software and Hardware Sales Division before returning to the industry. After the birth of her second child in 2016 and Milo in 2018, she transitioned to her current role in a hotel, casino, and arena, where she values the flexibility it provides.

Beyond her career, she has a deep passion for cooking and aspires to become an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry.