Son Michael Pham, a Vietnamese-American humanitarian and entrepreneur, was the founder of the nonprofit organization Kids Without Borders (KWB), established in 2001. Born in Vietnam, Pham fled the country as a refugee on the last day of the Vietnam War in 1975, eventually settling in the United States. His early experiences as a refugee, coupled with the support he received from community and church members in Chicago, profoundly influenced his lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy.
KWB’s mission was to involve youth in service to others, both within their communities and globally. The organization operated under the philosophy of “all kids, one world,” empowering children to help their peers and fostering a sense of global citizenship and empathy. Under Pham’s leadership, KWB expanded its reach to support children in more than 30 countries, providing opportunities for youth involvement and positively impacting thousands of lives worldwide.
In addition to his work with KWB, Pham was actively involved in various service agencies and held numerous leadership roles within the nonprofit community. He was a proud member of Rotary International, embodying the organization’s motto, “Service Above Self.” His dedication to humanitarian efforts was recognized through several awards, including the FBI’s Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2018, honoring his contributions to empowering children to assist others locally and internationally.
Professionally, Pham had a background in the hospitality industry and franchise development. He spent over two decades in the hospitality sector and led two companies focused on business development.
In October 2024, during a humanitarian trip to Vietnam, Pham experienced a life-threatening incident where he was swept out to sea while swimming in Danang. He was rescued and received medical treatment in Bangkok. Despite this, Pham’s health faced ongoing challenges, and his passing has deeply saddened those who knew and admired him.
Son Michael Pham’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian work and his efforts to inspire youth involvement in service left a lasting legacy both locally in the Seattle area and globally. He will be remembered for his kindness, vision, and dedication to making the world a better place.
