Today we’d like to introduce you to Chau Nguyen.
Chau, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a storyteller for most of my life. From being the high school newspaper editor to eventually becoming a local television news reporter and anchor, I have always been curious about people and their lives. To be able to connect with people at their most human moments, whether in glory or in tragedy, is a privilege. I’ve been lucky to transition out of a career in journalism to one in non-profit. As the Chief Marketing officer of the Houston Area Women’s Center, I now tell the stories of the clients we serve and our mission: supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. And I get to do that with grace, compassion and with true purpose.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was never easy to interview victims of tragedy, and it is still hard for me to walk through the lobby at our agency and see a survivor in tears. Our shelter houses up to 50 children nightly. It’s difficult to imagine innocence robbed at such a young age. As a single parent of two young girls, I am reminded by the saying, “There go I but for the grace of God.”
Please tell us about Houston Area Women’s Center.
The Houston Area Women’s Center is the largest non-profit support services provider for domestic and sexual violence. We offer hope and healing to survivors of domestic and sexual violence through shelter, counseling and advocacy. Our hotlines are 24/7. All of our services are free and confidential.
As an organization, I am most proud of the work we do day in and day out: supporting survivors with the message that it’s never their fault, they are not alone, and that we are here to help.
Our agency has been doing this work since 1977, and we have helped countless survivors empower and move their lives forward.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think my advice to my younger self would be to slow down. As a young adult, I was always in a rush; to get the next “story”, to advance my career. I think I would have enjoyed “life” more had I slowed down.
Pricing:
- All of our services are free and confidential
Contact Info:
- Address: 1010 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX 77019 - Website: www.hawc.org
- Phone: Our hotlines: Domestic Violence: 713-528-2121 Sexual Assault: 713-528-7273
- Email: info@hawc.org
- Instagram: hawctalk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonAreaWomensCenter/
- Twitter: hawctalk
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
