Amanda Nguyễn is an extraordinary figure known as a civil rights activist and founder of the non-profit organisation Rise. Her story begins with a traumatic experience as a student at Harvard, where she was the victim of a rape.
Although she quickly reported her case and went through the legal process, the unfavourable legal system only added to her emotional burden.
At the time, the state of Massachusetts only kept evidence such as rape kits for six months unless the victim actively renewed her request. This injustice led Amanda to take action. She decided that not only she, but all survivors of sexual violence, deserved fair legal treatment.
In this spirit, she founded Rise and began fighting for systemic change through legislation.
Rise: An Organisation for Change
Rise is an organisation that Amanda founded to help survivors of sexual violence around the world.
One of her major achievements was the passing of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Rights Act in 2016. This law provides better legal protections for survivors, including ensuring that evidence of sexual violence is not destroyed without notice.
This is one of the few pieces of legislation to receive bipartisan approval in the US Congress, demonstrating the impact of Amanda's advocacy.
Amanda's success didn't stop in the US. She pushed for change on a global scale by working with the United Nations to introduce a resolution on the rights of survivors of sexual violence, making her cause relevant to millions of people around the world.
Rise is now a symbol of hope for survivors fighting for their rights.
Hope is Contagious
Amanda often says hope is contagious. This phrase reflects her approach to advocacy and leadership.
Although she faces many challenges, including stigma and a complex legal system, she believes that big change starts with small steps. In interviews, she has shared how she felt alone after the incident, but found strength in community and hope for justice.
She founded Rise with this philosophy: everyone has the ability to create change. Amanda is not only a voice for survivors, she is leading a movement that gives them the power to speak and act.
From Survivor to Astronaut Candidate
In addition to her advocacy work, Amanda will also make history as the first South East Asian woman to go into space. She is scheduled to fly a mission with Blue Origin in 2025, making her a symbol of hope not only for survivors, but also for people who feel limited by their circumstances.
For Amanda, it's a way to honour her pre-trauma self and prove that dreams can be achieved despite great challenges. Her move into space demonstrates the courage to push the boundaries of both law and science. It proves that survivors are not just victims, but strong individuals capable of achieving extraordinary things.
Amanda Nguyễn is a living example of how an individual can turn trauma into a force for change. Not only has she fought for justice for herself, but she has also paved the way for millions of other survivors to get the justice they deserve.
With her passion for creating a more just world, Amanda is an inspiration to women in Southeast Asia and around the world to fight injustice and pursue their dreams.
