Amanda Nguyen
Amanda Nguyen, a prominent figure in the AAPI community, was born on July 1, 1991, in Washington, D.C., to Vietnamese parents who had immigrated to the United States. Growing up, Amanda experienced the rich tapestry of the AAPI culture, which strongly influenced her sense of identity and her commitment to social justice.
Amanda’s early years were not without their share of struggles. At the age of 22, she faced a life-altering trauma when she became a survivor of sexual assault. This ordeal, coupled with the complexities of navigating the legal system, ignited a fire within her to seek justice and ensure that others did not endure the same hardships.
Despite the obstacles she encountered, Amanda’s unwavering determination led her to create the nonprofit organization, “Rise.” Rise is dedicated to advocating for the rights of sexual assault survivors, and it has played a pivotal role in her journey. Amanda’s efforts led to the passage of the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights in 2016, a landmark legislative achievement ensuring that survivors have essential rights, such as the preservation of their rape kits. This achievement is a significant milestone in the fight for justice and dignity for survivors of sexual assault.
Amanda has also gone on to help establish similar laws in 40 states to date and has taken her movement to the U.N, where they unanimously voted to pass a standalone resolution recognizing rape in peacetime and condemning all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
In addition to her legislative accomplishments, Amanda has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about sexual assault and promote cultural change. She has been a vocal advocate for the AAPI community, using her platform to highlight issues faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, including xenophobia, discrimination, and the underreporting of sexual assault within the community. In recognition of this work, Amanda was nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize and was named one of the 2022 Time magazine’s Women of the Year. She also received the 24th Annual Heinz Award in Public Policy, the Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award, Time 100 Next, Forbes 30 Under 30, and was credited as a Top 100 Global Thinker by Foreign Policy.
Amanda’s efforts have left an indelible mark on the world’s legal landscape, ensuring that survivors of sexual assault are not left to suffer in silence. Her journey from survivor to legislative trailblazer serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, demonstrating the power of one person’s commitment to driving change. She continues to be a beacon of hope for survivors and a symbol of resilience for the AAPI community and beyond.
