By: Naiia Lajoie Bichlien Nguyen hails from Hue city in central Vietnam, the nation’s former capital during the Nguyen Dynasty. In 1975, she and her family moved to Saigon, only to flee Southern Vietnam thereafter amidst the country’s hardships. Having such a regal namesake coupled with a tumultuous escape almost serves as an auspicious omen for the lofty goals she would ultimately achieve and expectations she would come to surpass. During her time in Vietnam Bichlien studied Vietnamese literature while attending Saigon University. After landing in America she continued her education, graduating from UC Davis with a Bachelor Degree’s in Computer Science. Over the years she worked her way to the position of software manager, leading software engineering teams in large-scale high-tech companies across the United States. Today she is a Senior Program Manager, drafting large contracts across multiple companies & organizations and leading business deals with costumers both domestically and around the world. Despite being in such a high-octane work environment, Bichlien lives to serve the community; she helps those who are sick and/or in need. She donates in order to help provide food and education to orphans, as well as housing to the less fortunate back in her mother country of Vietnam. Whenever she can she participates in community events, supports various charities, and is perpetually involved in fundraising programs. When she is not volunteer-emceeing during many of the Bay Area’s Vietnamese community events, she gives her time as a fashion model to multiple Vietnamese Ao Dai designers. She graces the catwalk in order to raise funds for the many aforementioned causes she believes in. Also a singer, she shares her talent with the community, furthering awareness for certain non-profits that align with her own platform. These actions lead to Bichlien becoming very...... Read more on Full Issue!