TRI TA

COUNCIL MEMBER

Take 10 | Full biography

Tri Ta was elected to the Westminster City Council in November, 2006, at his first time running for office. Prior to his serving as councilman, he was a commissioner of the Energy Committee and the Advisory Committee for the Disabled.

Tri Ta was born in Saigon, Vietnam. He came to the United States with his family in 1992 at the age of nineteen. He then received a B.A. in Political Science and has completed the requirements for an M.A. in International Relations. As an immigrant, Tri appreciates the opportunities given to him by the political process and democracy here in America, leading him to work as a legislative representative in 1998. The position gave Tri his first glimpse at the mainstream political operation and hands-on experience in helping many people with different backgrounds in various issues.

Tri Ta is a community activist since his college years. In 1993, he was elected as the president of the Vietnamese Student Association in Glendale Community College, starting his long journey as a public servant.

From 1998 to 2006, Tri was a career consultant and later an employment counselor, where he helped numerous families from all ethnic groups become self-sufficient and less reliant on public assistance by having sustainable employment, better job searching skill, or adequate vocational training. He also helped them with variety of supportive services such as transportation, childcare, housing, shelter, ancillary, and much more. Tri has always been known by his coworkers and clients for his dedication, integrity, and professionalism.

In April 2006, Tri Ta joined VietSALON, a trade magazine for salon professionals published by Bobit Business Media – as a managing editor. By delivering continuously improving content to Vietnamese readers nationwide, Tri has helped to make VietSALON the most reliable and up-to-date resource of rules and regulations, products, and techniques to salon professionals.

Tri has been active in many non-profit organizations, committees and projects, including UVSA, VPAC, New Horizon, Oral History Program, NAVASA, Rancho Santiago Community College District's Measure E Advisory Committee, Giving Back Program, Asian Pacific National Steering Committee, Kiwanis International, and  serving as president of the Vietnamese American Community of Southern California. Tri is a frequently sought-after inspirational speaker at universities and in various events where his ultimate message to the youth is "follow your dream 'til the end." 

Tri Ta is a dedicated husband and father. Tri met his wife, Anh Doan by what he calls "an act of destiny," and together they have journeyed through many challenging paths. In 2002, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Trianh, who remains their most precious gift of life.