The Tahirih Justice Center has served over 34,000 immigrant survivors fleeing gender-based violence since 1997. Across our five locations, our dedicated staff members provide holistic trauma-informed services to immigrant survivors and their families through legal representation and social services, policy advocacy, and community outreach and training. Tahirih staff exhibit a high level of cultural humility, speak multiple languages, and, above all, are committed to creating a world without violence.
Meet our Communications Manager, Phuong Nguyen.
“Tahirih serves survivors of gender-based violence who face incredible obstacles to justice, including language barriers, lack of resources, and a complex immigration system. I am proud to work for an organization that is dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of these survivors.”
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you want to work at Tahirih?
My grandfather was an American soldier that fought in the Vietnam War. The Amerasian Act of 1982 allowed children fathered by a U.S. citizen to seek admission to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. My father fit this description, and it was this law that made it possible for my parents and I to start a new life in the United States when I was only 2 years old. Moving to a new country, learning a new language and figuring out another culture were huge adjustments for my parents, and I witnessed them struggle. In those first few years, we lived out of a small one bedroom in a shared apartment with other relatives. We could barely afford clothes at thrift stores. However, my parents worked long, tireless hours to provide a better life for their children. Eventually, they opened their own business, bought a home and put their two daughters through college.
I have experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities that the immigrant process presents. My family’s journey fuels my passion to support others embarking on a similar path, especially the survivors that Tahirih serves who are fleeing from violence and dangerous situations.
What do you do at Tahirih?
As the Communications Manager at Tahirih, I lead our media relations, outreach efforts and key communications projects across the organization.
What about your work at Tahirih do you find most inspiring?
In my role, I enjoy highlighting the great work that Tahirih is doing and amplifying the powerful stories of the clients that we serve. This role also allows me to shed light on issues requiring attention and help advocate for policy changes necessary to advance our mission.
What about your work at Tahirih do you find most challenging?
As an empathetic person, the most challenging aspect of my work is hearing the harrowing stories of survivors and the trauma they have endured. A person’s basic needs center around physiological and safety needs like shelter, reproduction, personal security and employment. Due to our current system, immigrant survivors of gender-based violence are often not guaranteed access to these rights. However, their stories affirm the importance of uplifting survivors’ voices to raise awareness and advocate for change.
How do you see Tahirih making a difference?
Tahirih’s survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach is refreshing in the midst of a climate filled with anti-immigrant rhetoric. Tahirih serves survivors of gender-based violence who face incredible obstacles to justice, including language barriers, lack of resources, and a complex immigration system. I am proud to work for an organization that is dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of these survivors.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned during your time in this role at Tahirih?
The most important lesson I have learned up to this point is the issue surrounding child marriage in the United States. Most people think of child marriage as an archaic practice that takes place in other countries; however, the majority of states in the U.S. still allow children to marry. Currently, only 12 states prohibit minors under 18 from getting married. Research shows that there are detrimental, life-long effects for those that marry before 18 including physical and sexual violence, unwanted pregnancies, depression and more. There is more work to be done in getting other states to renew their laws and protect future generations from the trauma associated with child marriage.
Outside of work, what is your favorite thing to spend your time on?
I love to travel – anywhere near a body of water is where I feel the most relaxed and at peace. I enjoy taking in the culture and trying unique dishes of any destination that I’m headed to.
