Bao Nguyen

Set in motion by grandparents forced to flee their country during the Vietnam War, Bao Nguyen and his immediate family found themselves making the challenging transition to life in a new country. And as difficult as it was, Bao recognized that his experience was softened by those who came before him. Now it’s his turn to pave the way for the next generation

“I ask myself all the time, ‘What is my role?’” he says. “How do I—we continue it?”

It took Bao some time to take ownership over his story. But as time passed Bao grew more curious about his ancestors’ experiences. And he found that there were actually refugees and immigrants all over, each in a different part of their own journey. Gradually, being an immigrant and the grandson of refugees became an important anchor to his identity.

“Now, I own it.”

Feeling rooted in his own story, Bao looked for ways to amplify his experience and the other diverse voices around him. After earning his degree from the University of Cincinnati he and a group of friends began meeting to share different elements of their Asian American culture. In 2010, they organized the first Asian Food Fest, an annual event showcasing Asian American cuisine from across the city. And, as Board President of Asianati, Bao developed a personal connection to the city that became his home.

“That group of folks, of the community, said we’re building something,” he says. “That gives me roots.”

The ongoing immigrant journey is a big piece of how Bao sees his own story, and how he frames his mission to create community and support for others on that path. To him, his move to the states was not a singular event, but rather a chapter in a story that’s much bigger than him. “This is a very long journey that I’m just part of,” he says.

Bao is neither at the beginning nor the end of this journey. And having felt the significance of his grandparents’ story, Bao now turns his attention to what comes next, and how those who are next to arrive can be supported and uplifted. The immigrants that came before can and should provide the guidance for those that come after. Bao says it’s a two way street—newcomers need to ask for help,and those who are more established must be ready to offer it.

“It’s an accelerated journey,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be that painful.”

There will always be a new wave of people seeking refuge from all over and as an immigrant and a grandson of refugees, Bao is making a point to build a community that will make space for them, regardless of where they come from. Through his work with Asianati, Bao provides a platform for Asian American cultures and sets an example for how other diverse immigrant experiences can and should be lifted up. No matter where a person comes from, or where they are in their journey, the need for support is still the same.

“All of those community subgroups have to know that we’re all interconnected,” he says. “Let’s not close the gate after us, and let’s not say I’m not part of it.”