Maxx Crowley, president of the Westport Downtown Association, writes:
I nominate Huong Belpedio from our WDA team as an Unsung Hero.
She is a pivotal member of the WDA. Since joining us in 2021, she has transformed the organization. She tripled our financials, doubled our membership, opened doors to new opportunities with sponsors and businesses, and most importantly brought an incredible attitude to the team.
During transition periods with our marketing and events position, Huong stepped up to play those roles. She made sure that “the show goes on!”
Huong and her husband John have been in Westport for decades. She is a true symbol of what it means to be a Westporter.
Not only does her passion for the town show in her WDA work, but through her involvement with her son Michael, a senior at Staples. She has helped the swim team and Staples band grow too, opening doors to new opportunities and sponsorships.
Words can’t describe what Huong means to our WDA team, and to Westport.
Yet that’s one small part of Huong’s story. Here’s more:
Huong was 8 years old when her family left Vietnam, with the fall of Saigon.
She was the second child of 6. But because her older sister had cerebral palsy — and her mother was hospitalized when they arrived in Queens — Huong had to mature quickly.
She took on many tasks most 8-year-olds could not handle.
Her parents stressed the importance of education. Huong applied to prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, and was accepted. She commuted every day from Astoria, by subway.
She then headed to New York University (and her 4 younger siblings followed her).
She then earned a master’s degree at St. John’s University — working during the day, and attending night school.
Huong was hired by Price Waterhouse, in their audit practice. She rose to manager, then went to Wall Street. She worked at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse in equity research, before moving to SAC Capital in Stamford.
After giving birth to Michael, she became a full time mom. She works tirelessly in support of his activities.
The WDA treasurer who hired Huong calls it the best hire of his career.
Huong Belpedio is indeed a jewel in downtown Westport — and everywhere else. Congratulations to this week’s Unsung Hero!
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