Amanda Nguyen: The ‘Accidental Activist’
Amanda Nguyen’s story is a remarkable journey of resilience, courage, and dedication. She describes herself as an ‘accidental activist,’ a title earned through her relentless efforts to advocate for the rights of sexual assault survivors. Nguyen’s aspirations as a child were far removed from activism. She dreamed of exploring the stars as an astronaut.
However, life had other plans for her. After experiencing a tragic incident during her final semester at Harvard, Nguyen was compelled to put her dreams on hold and channel her energy into fighting for justice. “I had to pen my rights because nobody else was going to do it,” she explains. Her efforts culminated in the passing of the Survivor’s Bill of Rights Act by the U.S. Congress in 2016.
From Social Justice to Space Travel
Despite her significant achievements, Nguyen’s passion for science never faded. Her conversations with mentors like NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, who encouraged her to focus on fighting for justice, were pivotal. In the face of personal challenges, Nguyen’s resilience led her to return to her first love—science.
In an ambitious move, this month Nguyen will achieve her dream of space travel. She will join Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, making history as part of its first all-female flight team. Nguyen will also be the first Vietnamese woman to journey beyond the Kármán line.
Some may view the mission as a publicity stunt, but Nguyen’s involvement has significant implications. By participating in this historic flight, she elevates the profile of women in STEM, a testament to breaking stereotypes and asserting that women belong in every field.
Advancing Science in Space
Nguyen’s flight isn’t just about reaching for the stars. She’s determined to contribute to scientific exploration, conducting two experiments during her mission. The first experiment examines how brassica seeds, a type cultivated by women in Southeast Asia, react to space travel. Her second focuses on women’s health, investigating how different inorganic mediums absorb liquid in space—a study with broader implications for wound dressing and menstruation.
This topic is particularly poignant as it addresses NASA’s early decisions to exclude women from astronaut roles based on factors like menstruation.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM
Nguyen’s mission extends beyond personal achievements. She is passionately committed to supporting and uplifting future generations of women in STEM. Research shows that teen girls often lose interest in sciences due to preconceived notions about scientists’ appearances.
Nguyen challenges these stereotypes. She famously wore bold red lipstick while testifying in front of Congress, a statement of self-empowerment and authenticity. “I deserve to show up as my authentic self,” she asserts.
Legacy of Advocacy and Inspiration
More than a scientist or activist, Nguyen is a beacon of hope and determination. Drawing from her experiences, she seeks to dismantle the barriers preventing women from fully participating in STEM fields. Her work underscores the critical need to address the unique challenges faced by women in these environments.
Nguyen’s ultimate goal includes establishing universal jurisdiction, ensuring justice for survivors of gender-based violence, aligning it with other crimes against humanity, like torture.
While Nguyen continues her advocacy work, she aspires to inspire others to carry the torch. She recently published “Saving Five,” a memoir combining her experiences with practical guidance for future activists.
Through her book and her mission to space, Nguyen aims to empower others to lead, initiate change, and optimize their potential. “I want to pass the torch,” she remarks, signaling her readiness to focus on her goals while ensuring the longevity of her impact.
