As Senior Program Director, Community Investments, Huong Nguyen-Yap (she/her) is responsible for spearheading Women’s Foundation California grantmaking and convening strategies. Previously, she worked at Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees and Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. Her work in the philanthropic sector is informed by her experience working in youth development and as a clinical social worker throughout the Bay Area. Her approach to grantmaking is also deeply informed by the values instilled in her as the daughter/niece/granddaughter of refugees from Viet Nam.
She serves on several local and national boards, including EBAYC (Oakland), La Cocina, and Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC). Huong is also a member of the Hella Heart Oakland Giving Circle, focusing on strengthening and improving the health and wellness of Asian/Asian American women and girls in Oakland.
She transferred from De Anza College before completing her Bachelor’s degree in Asian American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her Master’s degree in Social Work from San Jose State University. Huong lives in Oakland with her husband and two young children.