We invite YOU to join us this Friday, May 3rd, at our weekly luncheon starting at 11:45 AM at Red Lobster to hear about the harrowing journey to freedom made by our Rotary Club President, Andrea Nguyen, and her family when she was only 5 years old.  April 30th not only marks the 49th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, but also the 40th anniversary of Andrea’s family’s escape from the war-torn communist country.

 

Here is her biography:

 

From award-winning TV journalist to standout educator, to successful nonprofit executive; Andrea Nguyen has worn multiple hats, but the constant in her life is her passion to serve others and always give her very best in everything she does. During her decade-long career in news, she broke an international story, was featured on Dateline NBC, and covered thousands of compelling stories and breaking news. Having children made her rethink her career.

 

She segued to PR and marketing and worked her way up to become general manager of one of the nation's largest RV resorts. Although Andrea was very successful as a business professional as was a journalist, she couldn’t ignore her growing desire to impact young minds. To her, education is a cornerstone of democracy and teaching is one of the noblest professions. After a decade-long career in news and subsequent years in business leadership, Andrea’s passion to teach led her to segue into education. She spent eight years teaching high school for Pasadena ISD before getting her Master’s Degree and becoming the district’s Director of Community Relations and Executive Director of the Education Foundation. In 2023, Andrea became the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for San Jacinto College where she’s working to help the Promise @ San Jac Endowment reach the final leg of its $30 million goal.

 

Andrea has a deep love and gratitude for the city she serves, she says because Pasadena welcomed her family, raised her and her siblings, and allowed her family a better way of life. Her family called Pasadena home when they first came to the United States as boat refugees in 1984 and they still live there today! Andrea is strong in her Christian faith and values and fiercely loves her family and friends. Andrea’s goal is to make a positive and lasting impact in her community by serving others and building trusting relationships, as well as championing economic growth, workforce development, and education.