Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chau Nguyen . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chau , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I have been lucky to have had two professional paths and purposes: one in journalism and the other in public service. My first calling as a news reporter was rooted in my lifelong interest and curiosity of people. I love hearing stories about peoples’ lives, their triumphs and tragedies, and I equally relished in sharing their stories. There is a real human connection when someone entrusts their personal lives with you. I have interviewed everyone from presidents, to celebrities, to influential leaders. But it was the everyday heroes who most impressed me. The ones who helped repair the elderly woman’s air conditioning during a Houston heatwave. The groups who reached out to the homeless to offer shelter during a freeze. The police officers and first responders who helped find a missing child lost in the woods. These were the stories that shaped and defined the trajectory of my life, and that is to be a servant leader. After 15 years of covering news, I hung up my television reporter hat to become a social worker. Today, I proudly and humbly serve as an advocate leader for one of the top nonprofit organizations in Houston supporting survivors of Domestic and sexual violence, the Houston Area Women’s Center.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I serve as the Chief Public Strategies Officer for the Houston Area Women’s Center, the largest nonprofit organization in Houston serving women, children and families escaping abuse since 1977.

In my role, I am tasked with managing and expanding key partnerships, while positioning HAWC as thought leaders in order to drive broad awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault, with a goal of reducing interpersonal violence and changing cultural norms about how survivors are understood.

Celebrating 45 years of working to end domestic and sexual violence for all, HAWC provides safety and comprehensive, life-saving services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, empowering individuals, families, and communities to transform trauma, achieve independence, and stop abuse before it happens.

Our breadth of support to survivors includes:

Real-time Crisis Response:

24/7 Hotlines
Live Chat
Safety Planning
Emergency Shelter
Hospital Advocacy and Support Rape Crisis Support

Survivor Empowerment:
Housing
Counseling
Legal Advocacy Children’s Services Career Development Financial Empowerment

Violence Prevention and Culture Change:
Education
Advocacy
Outreach
Community Partnerships

At HAWC, we believe in a future defined by safe relationships and caring families, when entire communities thrive free from violence.

Our message to survivors:
We believe you.
It is not your fault.
Help is available.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My “hands and knees” moment came several years ago, when I found myself divorced with two very young girls in tow. I was a newly minted social worker in nonprofit and trying to navigate single motherhood. Those early days were personal and professionally challenging. With grit, determination, a wonderful support system of friends and family, and a spiritual community that helped me save my own soul, I weathered my reckoning. Single mothers represent the fastest growing homeless population. “There go I but for the grace of God,” I remind myself. My experience gives me strong resolve to continue to do the work I do,

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My 15 years as a local television news reporter allowed me to connect in a way that few can. As a reporter, you cross paths with so many different people, from politicians to leaders, to everyday people. Add to that, your community sees you on tv. I am very lucky to have been able to “connect” with my community. This has allowed me To utilize my influence to the good! And that is, to elevate our mission and movement to end violence and abuse in Houston.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.HAWC.org
• Instagram: @chaunguyenhouston
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/#!/chau.nguyen1973
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/chau-nguyen-lmsw-b775243
• Twitter: @ChauHTx
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/HAWCMEDIA

Image Credits
Quy Tran