What does "being strong" mean to you? To me, being strong means acknowledging that life is not always smooth or easy, and choosing to move forward anyway. When challenges arise, I believe strength comes from giving myself grace, continuing to work hard, and staying resilient through difficulty. Being strong ultimately means not giving up, even when the path feels uncertain or demanding.
How does family shape your perception of strength? I was born into a family defined by willpower and perseverance. My parents worked tirelessly day and night to ensure their children had access to a strong education. My older sisters became the first finance professional and doctor in our family history, breaking barriers that had never been crossed before. Watching their discipline, sacrifice, and determination deeply shaped how I view strength. I learned from them and was inspired to carry that same sense of responsibility and drive forward in my own life.
How does your culture shape your perception of strength? Vietnamese culture places great value on resilience, determination, and hard work. From a young age, the belief that effort and persistence can overcome obstacles was ingrained in me. The mindset of “where there’s a will, there’s a way” strongly influences how I approach challenges, and it continues to shape how I lead my life and make decisions.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? In difficult moments, I rely on a learning mindset to stay strong. I tend to be very hard on myself when I make mistakes - those moments stay with me, but that discomfort pushes me to reflect, learn, and improve. While this stubbornness can be challenging, it also fuels my determination to grow and to do better each time. The desire to learn from mistakes and not repeat them is what ultimately keeps me moving forward in times of trial.
What advice would you give to the next generation of strong women? I encourage the next generations to recognize the importance of a supportive community. I’ve found that having a strong support system whether through family, friends, or a circle of women who uplift one another, can make a meaningful difference when navigating challenges. I believe that women empower women. By sharing our stories, lessons learned, and experiences openly, we help one another feel seen, capable, and resilient. That collective support strengthens each of us individually.
Hien’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I used the $100 to donate to VietSeeds (https://vietseeds.org/), a nonprofit organization in Vietnam that expands access to education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. I’ve been a mentor to several VietSeeds students, supporting them in building skills and shaping their future paths. Through that experience, I’ve come to believe that financial support can be just as impactful as mentorship. Donating to VietSeeds felt deeply personal and closely aligned with my values and long‑term commitment to education.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? The process was a meaningful reflection on what truly matters to me. I initially considered donating to Stop AAPI Hate. While important, it didn’t fully resonate with my personal priorities. Education-especially for children, has always been central to my values, which ultimately led me to choose VietSeeds.