Angela Pham ’25 is a four-year senior from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and, in July 2023, she founded her own nonprofit, Embrace Her, with the goal to, “enhance access to education, healthcare, and sanitary products for girls worldwide.” While Angela’s initial focus was on local Vietnamese communities, her message has spread, and Embrace Her now has 18 chapters and over 180 members spanning the globe. In October, Angela earned a Diana Award, given to the most inspirational young people both in the United Kingdom and around the world. “Despite facing skepticism that a young girl could make an impact,” the award citation noted, “[Angela] embraced her collaboration” through the founding and growth of Embrace Her. 

Starting your own nonprofit is no easy feat, as Angela quickly learned. She noted that most organizations and businesses have delegated positions to help the whole operation run effectively. However, in the beginning, Angela acted as the researcher, recruiter, marketer, and founder all at once. As more people came on board, starting with close friends and family, the work could be divided and, in turn, Angela “felt less pressure and the whole experience became more enjoyable.” Social media also served as an essential tool for Angela, and it helped spread the word, inspiring more people to volunteer their time and resources.  

Angela first heard about the Diana Award when one of her friends won it. She researched the award’s mission and read about the accomplishments of past winners, and decided to apply. With a recommendation from her advisor, Ms. McGovern, Angela submitted her application. Months later, in October, she got word that she had earned the award. The most exciting part, Angela happily noted, “was getting a letter from the royal family, especially Prince William. It was crazy!” 

Princess Diana, someone who made a difference for so many, is a source of inspiration for Angela. “I look up to Princess Diana because she was a woman who broke down boundaries and believed in young people and underprivileged potential,” Angela shared. The award is fitting for an organization like Embrace Her that strives to improve the quality of life for women in Vietnam and beyond. 

The Diana Award was not the original goal for Angela. In the beginning, her aim was to address the disparities she saw in her local shelters. The award, however, “means a lot because it is not just my work, but everyone involved whose work is being recognized.” As one of the younger award winners on the list (most are in the 20-25 age group), she knows that this is just the start of something bigger. The exposure and recognition of the award will help Angela continue to grow her nonprofit and broaden its impact.

As she looks ahead to college, Angela hopes to combine Embrace Her with her interest in business and entrepreneurship. “I might attach my organization to my future business ventures, so a part of our profit could go to Embrace Her, and I can keep both things running,” she said. “I will also be able to grow my network, so I can continue to expand Embrace Her to other regions.” One thing is for certain, Embrace Her is changing lives for women around the world, and Angela does not plan to hit pause anytime soon.