I grew up in Vietnam with loving parents and a family that always supported me. I had access to education, healthcare, and opportunities that allowed me to pursue my goals. For much of my childhood, I did not fully realize how fortunate I was to have these things. However, my mindset changed when I visited Mai Am Tam Duc Shelter in Vietnam. I was 16 years old at the time and was shocked to learn about the challenges many girls face every day. Some of the girls I met were my age, while others were much younger, including newborn babies. Although we lived in the same country, our experiences were completely different.
As I spent time at the shelter and listened to their stories, I began to recognize many of the privileges I had taken for granted. I met girls who struggled to access educational resources, healthcare, and other basic necessities. Some told me they could not regularly attend school because they lacked supplies. Others faced challenges related to period poverty and did not have reliable access to menstrual products. When I heard these stories, I was shocked. I could not stop thinking about how something so basic could have such a significant impact on a girl’s life. I knew I wanted to do something to help these girls. More importantly, it made me realize that I did not have to wait until I was older to take action.
Shortly after that visit, I founded Embrace Her, a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting girls and women through education, health, and menstrual equity initiatives. Originally, I only intended for it to be a small project to support the girls at Mai Am Tam Duc Shelter. I never imagined it would grow beyond that. Today, Embrace Her has grown into a global network of more than 200 volunteers across 20 chapters. Together, we have provided educational resources, mentorship, menstrual products, healthcare support, and other essential resources to thousands of girls and women around the world.
While I am proud of what Embrace Her has accomplished, the most meaningful part of this journey has been the people I have met along the way. I have met girls whose resilience continues to inspire me every day. I have also watched young volunteers discover their own ability to create change in their community. I have learned not only what I am capable of, but also what young people can accomplish when they are given the opportunity to lead.
One of the most rewarding moments is when students reach out asking how they can start a chapter in their own community. Seeing young people take ownership of issues they care about reminds me why I started this work in the first place. In 2024, I was honored to receive The Diana Award, an award established in memory of Princess Diana and presented with the support of the British Royal Family. While I am grateful for the recognition, what means the most to me is knowing that Embrace Her has inspired other young people to take action.
Founding Embrace Her has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Although it may seem like I am the one giving back, I have gained far more than I could ever give. The people I have met, the lessons I have learned, and the communities I have been fortunate to serve have shaped me into the person I am today.
If there is one message I hope people take away from my story, it is: do not wait for permission to create change. If you see a problem, speak up. If you care about something, take action. You do not need to be an adult, have a title, or have all the answers to make a difference. To every young person reading this, your voice matters. Your actions matter. Never underestimate the impact you can have on the world around you!
Embrace Her Socials:
Instagram: embraceherofficial
Website: https://www.embracehernonprofit.org/
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Photo credit: Images provided by the storyteller.
