EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:

Amanda Nguyen was born in California in 1991 to Vietnamese refugees who fled their war-torn homeland in search of safety and a better future. Growing up, Amanda was raised with a deep appreciation for freedom, justice, and perseverance—values rooted in her family's history of resilience. Her early life was marked by curiosity, creativity, and a strong desire to make a difference in the world. Even as a child, Amanda showed a deep interest in science and space. She dreamed of becoming an astronaut and frequently looked up at the stars with wonder. But she was equally drawn to justice, equality, and human rights. These twin passions would later shape her unique identity as a civil rights advocate with a scientific edge.

Amanda’s academic journey took her to Harvard University, where she pursued a degree in astrophysics while also studying government. Balancing science with social awareness, she became involved in student leadership and activism on campus. Her academic background reflected her belief that one could be both a scientist and a humanitarian—that the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of justice need not be separate paths.

At Harvard, Amanda faced a personal trauma that would define the next chapter of her life: she was sexually assaulted. What followed was a deeply frustrating and disheartening experience with the legal system. Despite her efforts to seek justice, Amanda found herself caught in a bureaucratic process that often failed survivors like her. But instead of being defeated, she chose to fight back—not just for herself, but for millions of others. Her time at Harvard gave her both the intellectual foundation and the courage to take action. She turned her pain into purpose, using her education not just as a stepping stone to success but as a platform for change.

Amanda's early life and education reveal the roots of her extraordinary mission: to fight for survivors’ rights while continuing to reach for the stars—literally and figuratively. With a background in astrophysics and a heart committed to justice, Amanda Nguyen stands as a powerful example of how academic excellence and lived experience can come together to change the world.

A SURVIVOR’S STORY:

Amanda Nguyen’s journey as a civil rights activist began with a deeply personal and painful experience. In 2013, while attending Harvard University, Amanda was sexually assaulted. What followed wasn’t just emotional trauma—it was a confrontation with a legal system that failed to protect her and other survivors.

After reporting the assault and undergoing a forensic rape kit examination, Amanda discovered that Massachusetts law allowed rape kits to be destroyed after just six months unless the survivor filed for an extension—every six months. This meant that Amanda had to continuously refile paperwork or risk having critical evidence of her assault discarded. The burden was entirely placed on her, not on the system that was supposed to ensure justice.

This realization was both heartbreaking and infuriating. Amanda had done everything right—reported the crime, submitted evidence, and tried to pursue justice—only to find herself battling red tape and silence. Her experience wasn’t unique; millions of other sexual assault survivors in the United States faced similar legal inconsistencies, gaps in protection, and systemic negligence. But what made Amanda different was how she responded.

Instead of being consumed by anger or giving in to despair, Amanda decided to take action. She began to research laws across the country, uncovering the startling truth that rape survivors’ rights varied dramatically from state to state. No federal protections were ensuring that evidence would be preserved, that survivors would be informed of their rights, or even that they would be notified if their cases were closed.

Amanda took her fight to Washington, D.C., and founded Rise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. She helped draft the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that established a set of federal rights for survivors. It included provisions like the right to have a rape kit preserved without cost, the right to be informed of key updates in their case, and the right to access their records. In a rare display of unity, the bill passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate and was signed into law in 2016. Amanda’s story became a symbol of how survivors could rewrite the law, not just survive, but rise.

Today, Amanda’s work has expanded internationally, as she continues to help other countries craft similar protections. But it all began with a single, painful experience and a refusal to accept injustice. Her survivor’s story is not just about enduring trauma—it’s about reclaiming power, rewriting laws, and proving that one voice can change the world.

FOUNDING RISE:

Amanda Nguyen founded Rise in 2014 as a direct response to the injustice she experienced after surviving sexual assault. During her pursuit of justice, Amanda encountered a deeply flawed system that placed the burden of maintaining her case on her shoulders. Frustrated by the inconsistencies in legal protections for survivors across different U.S. states, she realized there was a dire need for change, not just for herself, but for millions of others.

Determined to act, Amanda created Rise—a nonprofit civil rights organization aimed at advocating for the rights of sexual assault survivors. The name "Rise" reflects not only the idea of overcoming personal trauma but also the broader vision of rising together to build a fairer, more just world. Amanda didn’t have a legal background, political connections, or massive funding when she started. What she had was her lived experience, a fierce sense of justice, and an unshakable commitment to creating change. With the help of volunteers, survivors, and a growing network of supporters, Rise began drafting the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. Amanda tirelessly lobbied members of Congress, shared her story publicly, and used social media to mobilize support. Despite being a first-time advocate in Washington, she succeeded in achieving something rare: unanimous bipartisan support. In 2016, the bill was passed into federal law, protecting the rights of survivors across the United States. What makes Rise unique is its survivor-led model. Rather than speaking for survivors, it empowers them to speak for themselves, helping them draft legislation, organize campaigns, and meet with lawmakers. Under Amanda’s leadership, Rise expanded its efforts globally, working with activists and governments to introduce similar legislation in countries like Japan, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.

Through Rise, Amanda transformed her pain into a powerful global movement. The organization stands as a symbol of hope, proof that one person’s courage can spark a revolution in human rights—and that survivors are not alone in their fight for justice.

LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES:

Amanda Nguyen’s legislative victories stand as powerful milestones in the global movement for survivors' rights. Her most well-known triumph is the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, a landmark U.S. law that ensures fundamental protections for survivors of sexual violence. After experiencing firsthand how survivors could lose access to justice simply due to inconsistent state laws, Amanda set out to fix a broken system—not just for herself, but for others like her.

Her goal was ambitious: create federal legislation that would guarantee clear, basic rights to survivors, including the right to access their medical records, the right to be informed about the status of their rape kits, and the right to have those kits preserved for the duration of the statute of limitations. With no legal training, Amanda taught herself how to draft legislation, meet lawmakers, and navigate the political system.

In 2016, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate—an incredibly rare bipartisan achievement. It was later signed into law by President Barack Obama, making it one of the few laws in recent U.S. history to receive full support from both political parties. But Amanda didn’t stop at the federal level. Through her organization Rise, she helped push for similar laws in over 40 U.S. states, ensuring that local protections matched federal standards. Rise also went international, helping to shape survivor rights legislation in countries like Japan and South Korea, and working with the United Nations to develop global frameworks for survivor justice.

Amanda's legislative victories are not just about legal language—they represent a shift in how society values the voices and rights of survivors. Her success proves that everyday citizens, when driven by purpose and courage, can reshape entire legal systems. Through her work, Amanda Nguyen has built a legacy not only of laws but of lasting hope and empowerment for millions around the world.

THE ASTRONAUT CONNECTION:

While Amanda Nguyen is best known for her work as a civil rights activist, her connection to space is a lesser-known yet equally inspiring part of her story. From a young age, Amanda dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Her fascination with the stars led her to study astrophysics at Harvard University—a passion she pursued alongside her advocacy for human rights.

Her scientific ambitions took a significant step forward when she interned at NASA. There, she contributed to astrophysics research and deepened her understanding of space science. But Amanda has never seen her interest in science and her fight for justice as separate paths. Instead, she views both as part of a greater mission: expanding human potential and ensuring that no one is left behind, whether on Earth or in space. In 2021, Amanda was named a "civil rights astronaut" by TIME Magazine as part of its TIME100 Impact Awards. The title reflected not just her passion for space exploration, but her bold, visionary approach to social justice. She became a powerful symbol of how advocacy, science, and dreams can intersect.

Amanda has publicly expressed her desire to go to space, and she has even undergone astronaut training. Her journey from the courtroom to the stars represents a beautiful metaphor—survivors and changemakers can defy gravity, both literally and symbolically. For Amanda, the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.

RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS:

Amanda Nguyen’s powerful work as a civil rights activist has earned her national and international recognition, placing her among the world’s most influential changemakers. Her journey—from a survivor seeking justice to a global advocate rewriting laws—has been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards and honors.

One of the most significant milestones in Amanda’s journey was her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. This honor recognized not only her courage and determination but also the broader impact of her work for millions of survivors of sexual violence around the world. The nomination placed her alongside global icons of peace and justice, highlighting her role in changing how governments and societies respond to survivors. In 2021, she was named a TIME Woman of the Year and featured in the TIME100 list, which recognizes the most influential people across various fields. Her profile in TIME referred to her as a "civil rights astronaut"—a term that reflected her unique blend of activism and aspiration for space exploration. She also received the TIME100 Impact Award, which celebrates leaders who are driving real change and creating a better future.

Amanda has also been recognized by Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Marie Claire’s Young Women’s Honors, and various global organizations that celebrate innovation, leadership, and humanitarianism. Her speeches at the United Nations and her TED Talks have inspired countless people to believe in the power of individual action.

Each recognition Amanda receives is more than a personal achievement—it amplifies her message: that survivors deserve justice, dignity, and rights. Her awards represent the growing awareness that justice systems must evolve, and that courage, when met with persistence, can truly change the world.

AMANDA’S ONGOING IMPACT:

Amanda Nguyen’s impact didn’t end with the passage of the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights—it’s just the beginning. Through her nonprofit organization Rise, Amanda continues to empower survivors to become changemakers in their communities. By training them to draft legislation, meet lawmakers, and tell their stories with confidence, Rise has helped pass more than 60 laws in the U.S. and internationally.

Her influence now extends far beyond the realm of sexual violence. Amanda advocates for a broader movement of citizen activism, showing that ordinary people can change laws, systems, and cultures. She remains a fierce voice for human rights, speaking at global forums including the United Nations, and pushing for survivors' rights to be recognized as a universal human right.

Amanda also works to ensure that marginalized voices are heard, especially in systems that often silence them. Her work has inspired new generations of activists, especially young women, people of color, and survivors who once felt powerless.

Even while continuing her advocacy, Amanda still holds onto her dream of space exploration, reminding the world that survivors are not defined by trauma. They are scientists, leaders, and dreamers. Her journey proves that personal pain can be transformed into collective power and that real change begins when someone refuses to accept injustice as normal.

Amanda Nguyen’s legacy is not just in the laws she’s helped pass, but in the lives she’s changed and continues to change every single day.

.    .    .