Community Highlights: Meet Michelle Le of Do For The World

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Le.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi! I’m Michelle, and I grew up in a close-knit Vietnamese American family with my brother, sister, and parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam. From a young age, I’ve always found joy in helping others and bringing people together. Some of my earliest memories are volunteering at local food banks and going on mission trips with my sister. Those experiences stayed with me as I grew older and inspired me to create a community where people could come together to give back to those who need it most.

In 2015, I founded Do For The World, and what started as a small passion project has grown into a nonprofit that has served thousands of people over the past 12 years. Along the way, I also pursued my dream of becoming a physician assistant, completing my training at the Keck School of Medicine of USC on a full-ride scholarship. Serving others has always been a common thread throughout my journey, and I feel fortunate to continue that mission through both my work in medicine and the community we’ve built through Do For The World.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Starting a nonprofit at 21 meant learning everything from the ground up, from navigating the legal process to organizing events and building a team. Even after 11 years, I’m still learning and finding new ways to grow Do For The World and expand our impact.

My journey to becoming a physician assistant also came with its own challenges, including rejections, long study days, and moments of self-doubt. Growing up, my parents taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude. Those values have stayed with me through the difficult moments and remind me to appreciate how far I’ve come, trust the process, and learn from every experience. Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges because they’ve made me more resilient and empathetic, both in serving my community and caring for my patients.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Do For The World is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving underserved communities and creating opportunities for people of all ages to give back. My vision has always been to build a community where people can connect through service, form meaningful relationships, and come together to make a difference.

Our largest event is our annual Thanksgiving celebration, where we bring together volunteers, churches, and local organizations to provide a warm holiday meal, connect guests with social services, and offer games, entertainment, and hair and nail stations. For many of the people we serve, it’s about more than a meal. It’s sharing a laugh, having someone to talk to, and feeling a sense of belonging during a holiday they might otherwise spend alone.

Beyond Thanksgiving, we’ve supported communities affected by natural disasters, partnered with businesses like Patagonia and Advantech, and visited schools to share our mission and inspire younger generations to get involved in giving back. I’m proud of the community we’ve built and the people who continue to make this work possible. Looking ahead, I hope to expand our reach through more community events throughout the year and create an even greater impact.

Our 12th annual Thanksgiving celebration will take place on November 22, 2026. At its heart, Do For The World is about reminding people that everyone has something to give, and even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think taking risks is part of growth. When I founded Do For The World, I didn’t have everything figured out. I had a vision for bringing people together to give back, but I had to learn as I went, navigate challenges, and figure out how to turn that vision into something sustainable. Starting a nonprofit and committing to it for 11 years has been one of the biggest risks I’ve taken, but also one of the most rewarding.

I’ve learned that taking a risk doesn’t mean being fearless or knowing exactly how things will turn out. It means believing in something enough to take the first step, even when the outcome is uncertain. I try to approach risks thoughtfully, but I also know that waiting until everything feels perfect can mean missing opportunities to grow. Some of the most meaningful things in my life have come from being willing to try, learn from setbacks, and keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dofortheworld.org
• Instagram: @dofortheworld