empowering the next generation
The Launch Initiative was created with a singular purpose - to mentor, empower and guide students as they navigate their professional education journey. Founded by Drs. Tuan Nguyen, Thuy Nguyen and Joseph Braud, the organization is deeply rooted in their personal experiences. Each of them faced and overcame significant obstacles on their paths to success, inspiring them to establish The Launch Initiative as a way to open doors for the next generation.
board leadership
Tuan Nguyen, MD
President
Motivated by his own experience, Tuan brings a deep commitment to equality in higher education and a visionary approach to empowering the next generation of leaders. The Launch Initiative was founded on his passion for mentoring and coaching, along with an entrepreneurial drive to grow the organization to reach all students who need support.
Tuan earned his medical degree from the Central America Health Sciences University, Belize Medical College, and completed his Family Medicine residency at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, where he also served as Assistant Chief Resident. He served as Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Naples Community Hospital from 2012 to 2017 where he received the prestigious Carl W. Liebert, M.D. Award in 2014 and was honored by his peers as Physician of the Year in 2015.
He currently serves as the Founder and Medical Director of Dope Doctors. When he’s not helping patients or mentoring students, Tuan can be found sampling street food in far-off cities, brainstorming his next big idea over coffee, or trying (with mixed success) to master the perfect golf swing.
Joe is driven by a belief that education is the ultimate superpower, and he's on a mission to help students discover theirs. Growing up in a tight-knit community, he experienced firsthand how the right mentor can change a life's trajectory. Through The Launch Initiative, Joe helps underrepresented students chart bold new paths in higher education.
When he's not transforming smiles at his orthodontics practice, being one with nature, or chilling in his hot tub, he's probably contemplating whether that third outdoor speaker was really necessary (it was).
Joseph Braud, DDS
Vice President
Thuy is inspired by her journey as a first-generation college graduate and the mentors who believed in her when the road ahead seemed impossible. She is passionate about paying it forward by helping students break barriers and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Outside of her work, Thuy is an incredible mother to her three rowdy kids and somehow still manages to pack picture-perfect lunches and win at school drop-off fashion.
Thuy Nguyen, DDS
Secretary
Melissa believes education and healthcare are the twin engines of opportunity, and she's all about fueling both. In addition to mentoring future leaders, she donates her surgical skills to underserved communities around the globe, proving that compassion has no borders.
When she's not in the OR or strategizing for The Launch Initiative, Melissa enjoys hiking Colorado's trails, testing out new plant-based recipes, and trying to keep up with her two energetic kids and not so energetic husband Jared.
Melissa Hurwitz, DPM
Treasurer
board members
Andy has seen firsthand the impact that mentoring and thoughtful career and education guidance can have on a person’s life path. With years of experience as a lawyer, nonprofit professional and political adviser, Andy seeks to impart any wisdom he has accrued to assist students in navigating the various forks that they may encounter on their journey. When not advising clients, Andy juggles life at home with two determined children while attempting to occasionally partake in a hobby or two or enjoy some (rare) downtime.
Andy Christoffel
Board Member
Jesse brings over 20 years of professional experience in strategic program development, education and communications. She has served on several nonprofit boards, mostly focused on neighborhood and community development, and served as political campaign manager for a city-wide race. Outside of The Launch Initiative, Jesse is a licensed general contractor and small business owner in Minnesota and working to transform spaces into functional and inspiring places for people and families to live, work and enjoy life.
Jesse Welsh
Board Member
Leacy comes from the world of healthcare communications. In all of her work, she reflects a strong commitment to equity, impact and purpose. Rooted in strategy and vision, she is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders and expanding her work in the nonprofit sector. Leacy lives in San Diego, CA, and is on the cusp of debuting her new men’s skincare brand in the coming months.
Leacy Koomar
Board Member
our partners
