Thien Huynh

Thien was born and raised in the Bay Area of California, and graduated in 2024 from Tulane University with his Bachelors in Political Science (Focus in International Development) and Economics.

Growing up, Thien always had a passion for policy and non profit work as his parents met due to his mother’s work in a Vietnamese refugee camp in Hong Kong where his father fled after the Vietnam War ended. 

Thien never understood his roots in both Vietnamese and Hawaiian/Filipino culture and rather assimilated into American society. This changed during college with Thien being introduced to a strong Vietnamese identity and population in New Orleans. He chose to dive in and learn his roots, joining Tulane University’s Vietnamese Student Union and and getting involved with the local Vietnamese community. He credits this community to building his passion for cultural inclusion, rather than assimilation.

Prior to APAICS, Thien worked with Americorps and various nonprofits, supporting disenfranchised communities and youth. Some of his work included working with the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) to help manage their pro-bono work, and with A’s and Aces NOLA to instruct and coordinate volunteers.

Outside of work, Thien volunteers in the DC area, was on the rowing team in college, plays tennis, and loves to travel and meet new people.

Thien is incredibly excited to contribute to the APAICS mission.