Born in Saigon, Vietnam I spent most of my time in the city, but when I was a child I saw extreme poverty in more rural areas and those experiences have always stayed with me. I saw people whose daily concerns were where to find food. As a teen, what really struck me was seeing children under the age of 12 pan handling. Families in central Vietnam were often devastated by annual typhoons that would leave them without clothes, shoes and sometimes without a home. Almost always they had no safe water to drink.
I have wanted to help others throughout my life and after connecting with Children’s Home Society of Washington, I have an opportunity to learn how I can make a difference. Their vision resonates with my ideology and commitment of giving back.
Among the children’s organizations in the Puget Sound area, Children’s Home Society of Washington immediately caught my attention, because of its strong history advocating for children. I particularly appreciate the organization’s willingness to adapt and change their strategic focus as the concerns and challenges of the families they serve change.
I learned about Children’s Home Society of Washington after completing the Project LEAD program of United Way of King County, a leadership training program with the United Way of King County that prepares people of color to serve effectively on nonprofit boards. I hope someday to start my own non-profit organization.
I consider myself a representative of minority, immigrant and low-income communities. It is an honor for me to be a member of Children’s Home Society of Washington Marketing Advisory Committee. I hope to bridge the gap between underserved families in my own community and provide access to better social services regardless of barriers.
Hiep Nguyen is a student at the University of Washington Foster School of Business and a board member of Empower Mentoring Program. He was formerly a community outreach coordinator for Amerigroup and a citizen class tutor volunteer for Neighborhood House.
The Marketing Advisory Committee provides expertise, insights and guidance on marketing plans, advertising and fundraising campaigns, outreach and events to further the mission and goals of Children’s Home Society of Washington. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Janica Lockhart, Janica.Lockhart@chs-wa.org.