Hi! My name is Vivian Nguyen and I wanted to introduce myself as the candidate for Ward 5 City Council. Like many others in Everett, I’m a child of immigrants and refugees who came to America for a better life. For all the places they could have ended up, it was fitting that they moved to Everett. I have only lived in Everett, Massachusetts, but the unique culture I was raised with is deeply ingrained in my identity. As a child of immigrants/refugees who grew up low income, I was motivated to run because of personal experiences of not feeling represented in my personal life and in the political world. And as an Asian-American who comes from a family that experienced political intimidation in their home country, it's important for me to help give unheard voices a platform. I know what it’s like to not always be included in the narrative and my intentions involve running to advocate for the underrepresented and next generation of Everett.
When I'm not campaigning, I'm attending Babson College as a first generation student studying business administration. As a Presidential Scholar at Babson, I'm able to keep good grades while being on the rugby team, school band, and an active member in my school's political association, which is why I believe I have the time management skills to be an efficient city councilor and student. I also would not the first 19 year old to run for city councilor in Everett, so I will be able to ask for advice on how the former city councilor handled being a college student and representative. My passion lie in serving my community and spreading progressive values and I'm ecstatic to fulfill that during my college career.
Although this is just the beginning of my political career, I have always been politically active and an active member of my community. I have a strong background in journalism, and in the past have used my platform to advocate for myself and others. From writing for my school newspaper to writing for a paper that was distributed at a state-wide level, I worked my way up from answering minor questions my classmates wondered about to covering major issues like my highschool’s discriminating hair policy and being a catalyst for “controversial” conversations. By covering bill hearings, I was exposed to issues that did not affect me, which inspired me to be the voice of the underrepresented. Through reporting, I learned my voice is important and it has been a vital part of me since.
I also have a strong background in volunteer work and activism, and was even the 2018 NEHRA Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient, an award that is given to those “who value education, promote harmony, and respect diversity.” I have been working with children since 2012 and my volunteer work includes working at the Parlin Memorial Library, being a mentor at an afterschool program coaching and tutoring students K-6 in Malden, and fundraising for and interacting with animal shelters in Wellesley.
Everett has played a significant role in my upbringing, so giving back to the community is something I’ve always wanted to do. As your potential councilor, I hope to advocate for the youth, immigrants, new and old residents, and seniors. I hope to fulfill the promises that were made when we voted for the casino and I hope to minimize the negative impact of gentrification and address our need for more affordable housing and education funds, have our city resources better reflect our diversity, prioritize our city when it comes to public safety, transportation, wellness, and jobs, and more, which you can learn about by reaching out or checking out my website.
For questions and concerns, I can be easily reached at 617-913-6405. For more information, to support the campaign, or to request a yard sign, visit Viv4Ward5.com
I hope to have your vote on Tuesday, November 5 so that YOUR VOICE can start being heard.