Hoang Nguyen’s personal journey paints the picture of the ultimate American Dream: an immigrant family escapes post-war Vietnam, where they are unsafe as a result of fighting for Vietnam’s freedom alongside Americans, and arrived in the United States in 1983 as refugees.

Shortly after arriving, their father was killed during a robbery. Their mother was left to navigate through language and cultural barriers to try and make a life for seven young children. Despite immense hardship and the tremendous pain that comes with loss, the Nguyens overcame every obstacle placed in front of them to find success. “I firmly believe that every Utahn should have equal access to the necessities they need to succeed, as it is through these values that my family and I have thrived.” Hoang grew up on the west side of Salt Lake City in a community that felt far away from that on the east side just a few miles away. Now, as a successful entrepreneur, business owner, and co-founder of Sapa Investment Group, Hoang has become a recognizable public figure and community leader. 

As a Utahn who has lived on both sides of the valley, Hoang knows that while progress has certainly been made, We can do better. Hoang seeks to inspire and help Salt Lake residents to build community by creating equity in education and providing opportunities that can be accessed no matter what side of Salt Lake you live on. Hoang is running for House District 23 to spark this change—to ignite conversations that move us into action, working together for the future of our city, our state, and our children. She wants to ensure that the American Dream is possible for all of us no matter who we are, what we look like, or where we come from.

After all, our differences make us stronger. United, we can be the change we want to see.

We can be better.