Vicky Nguyen

Courageous Refugee Turned News Leader, Consumer Advocate, Trusted Champion for Marginalized Voices
  • Inspirational storyteller whose unlikely story begins by escaping war-torn Vietnam by boat and rose to the pinnacle of journalism, as a correspondent for the Today Show and anchor of NBC News Daily
  • Balances humor with empathy in storytelling to turn personal hardship into relatable narratives
  • Infuses smart practical takeaways into her stories of grit, resilience, and hard work leaving audiences inspired

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Vicky Nguyen’s journey from a war-torn Vietnam to the heights of American journalism is a story of survival, determination, and triumph over unimaginable odds. Despite her exceptional experiences, Nguyen’s relatable personality immediately puts her audience at ease. Her approachable, friendly presence speaks to the everyday American—those striving to pursue their passions—and inspires them to overcome their own challenges. 

Born in Saigon after the chaos of the Vietnam War, Vicky was only two years old when her family embarked on a harrowing escape from their homeland. Braving treacherous seas and a violent pirate attack, they landed in a refugee camp in Malaysia. For months, they lived in uncertainty, clinging to the hope of a new life. That hope became a reality when a family in Eugene, Oregon, sponsored them to come to the United States.  

But the journey didn't end there. As a refugee in America, Vicky faced the daunting challenge of navigating a new culture while holding onto her Vietnamese roots. She quickly learned the harsh realities of immigrant life and faced numerous instances of racism, stereotyping, and cultural struggles. Fueled by an unbreakable spirit, these moments of strife not only made her stronger, but also gave her direction in life.  

Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Vicky’s voice quickly became a force for change. She is no stranger to uncomfortable situations and has gone head-to-head with corrupt entities. As an immigrant who has felt prejudice firsthand, her difficult experiences have inspired her goal in life: to protect vulnerable populations. From reporting on anti-Asian violence to exposing dangerous weight loss drugs, Nguyen has uncovered numerous human rights and consumer protection issues. Her deep investigative work has earned her the trust of the people and won her prestigious honors in journalism, including multiple Emmy Awards and the duPont-Columbia Award.   

Despite the hardship early in her life, Vicky reflects on her path with gratitude. She will soon celebrate the release of her highly anticipated memoir, Boat Baby, a love letter to “parents who know what it’s like to take big risks in life.” While this humorous and heartfelt narrative captures her resilience, it also highlights the communities that have helped her along the way. The memoir is everything that Vicky is—bold, fierce, and funny.  

Vicky Nguyen is someone who will inspire audiences to live out their dreams no matter the circumstance. She teaches us that no obstacle is too great when met with courage and determination. 

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What Is Your ‘Why’? Lessons On Finding Inspiration in the Face of Adversity. Growing up in America wasn’t easy for Vicky Nguyen. Between dealing with the neighborhood racist and the struggle to maintain her Vietnamese identity, there was plenty to weigh her down. Yet, in spite of these trials, Vicky’s unwavering sense of purpose was clear. She teaches her audience how to spin life’s challenges positively and use gratitude to transform negative thoughts. She implores her audience to ask the hard questions, like “What is your ‘why’” and “Who in your community do you admire?” Through hilarious personal anecdotes and earnest storytelling, Vicky Nguyen shows the audience that even in the face of adversity, a clear sense of purpose and resilience can turn obstacles into opportunities. 

A Refugee’s Journey to National Prominence. Grit and determination have defined Vicky Nguyen’s life and shaped her into the nationally acclaimed journalist we know today. Nguyen recounts her family’s harrowing journey as Vietnamese refugees, surviving an attack by sea pirates and living on meager rations in a Malaysian refugee camp. But her challenges didn’t end there. Her family was soon sponsored to go to America, where they had to learn a new set of survival skills. Nguyen overcame complex cultural barriers and personal hardships to rise as a leading voice in journalism. With grace and humor, Nguyen explores her dual identity as an Asian American and a journalist. Her life is a testament to perseverance and the power of embracing one’s cultural identity. 

For the Greater Good: Lessons on Uncovering the Truth. As an award-winning investigative journalist, Vicky Nguyen is relentless in her pursuit of the truth to protect consumers. Her work has taken her into the heart of complex stories—stories that have exposed corruption and crooked business practices. In her talks, Nguyen shares impactful highlights of her career, including uncovering reports that have held the powerful accountable and protected communities. Through gripping anecdotes and insights, Nguyen leaves the audience with tools to stand up for integrity in a world where the truth can be increasingly hard to find. 

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