From the May 2025 AAPI Heritage spotlight
“"As a Vietnamese-American and child of refugees, I saw my family in the working-class immigrant communities I served, advocated for, and worked alongside,” Nhi shares. “My family's experience escaping political persecution and a war-torn country influenced the way I experienced the world. My identity and my family's experiences instilled in me a commitment to shaping policies, practices, and systems that center the needs of all communities—especially those facing similar systemic struggles.” […]
“I believe we each have the opportunity to impact the lives of others,” she says. “My hope is to play even a small role in ensuring our communities receive the support, resources, and opportunities to thrive and live in abundance.”
Nhi Nguyen is the kind of leader National Urban Fellows is proud to cultivate—one who brings strength, care, and a clear commitment to building a society where everyone can thrive. Her story is not just a personal journey—it’s part of a collective movement for justice and transformation.
As we honor AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate Nhi and all AAPI leaders whose stories help shape a more inclusive and compassionate future.”
Media Coverage
Media coverage after my report on Orange County’s hate crime data in 2020 featured in the LA Times, Voice of OC, Times OC
“Real change is possible,” Nguyen said. “As a community in Orange County, we can come together to not only advocate for change but to work together to effect change so that we can get closer to a county and a world that is intolerant of violence, of hate and bigotry.”