Amanda Nguyen was a teenager when her life changed forever. After surviving a brutal gang rape, she was thrust into a legal maze that failed to protect or inform her. The justice system, she found, didn’t notify survivors of their rights or offer a clear process. Instead of retreating into silence, Amanda chose to fight—not just for herself, but for millions of others who deserved better.
In the wake of her assault, Amanda underwent a forensic exam, only to learn her evidence could be discarded without her knowledge. Her advocacy group had lost the paperwork. That crushing moment sparked a deeper resolve: she would not allow other survivors to be treated this way. She tried to influence legislation, submitting proposals to bring transparency and rights to survivors. But time and again, she was dismissed. Still, she refused to give up.
While studying at Harvard, Amanda began forming the framework for real change. She envisioned a federal law that guaranteed survivors the right to access updates on their cases, control over their evidence, and options for legal recourse. It was a bold idea—deemed too ambitious by many—but Amanda was relentless. She wrote opinion pieces, shared survivor stories, and personally lobbied lawmakers. She even lived out of her car at times, using every ounce of time and energy to move the needle forward.
That work culminated in a landmark achievement. In 2016, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act was signed into federal law. It was the first legislation of its kind to grant survivors legal access to essential information about their cases, including the right to know whether evidence would be preserved or destroyed. It also imposed penalties for officials who mishandled rape kits. For survivors across the U.S., Amanda’s law was a beacon—proof that their voices mattered and their rights were real.
Driven by this success, Amanda founded Rise, a survivor-led organization aimed at ending sexual violence through legislative change and civic activism. Under her leadership, Rise has taken on major institutions, fighting for accountability and justice. They’ve challenged universities under Title IX, advocated for digital protections for survivors’ data, and demanded that social platforms take responsibility for abusive content. Their policy campaigns include the Stand with Survivors Act, which holds federal agencies accountable for reporting violence and ensuring victims are informed of their case status.
Rise’s influence has grown far beyond U.S. borders. Amanda has spoken before Congress, worked with both Democratic and Republican presidents, and addressed the United Nations. Her ability to blend personal experience with legal insight has made her a respected figure globally. Tech firms, universities, and civic organizations now seek her guidance on survivor-centered policy. She doesn’t just attend summits—she helps shape the conversations that come out of them.
One of Amanda’s defining moments came during the case of Chanel Miller, known publicly as Emily Doe in the high-profile Stanford sexual assault trial. As public scrutiny intensified, Amanda stood by Miller, ensuring she retained rights to participate in the legal process, prevent early release of her assailant, and maintain visibility into the case. That support led to new protections for survivors nationwide, reinforcing the idea that respect for victims is not a courtesy—it’s a legal obligation.
Amanda’s mission stems from a simple but powerful truth: systems often fail those who need them most. But people, driven by purpose, can rewrite those systems. Her work has transformed how the nation views and responds to sexual violence—not through sympathy, but through structural change. She’s proven that survivor-driven legislation isn’t a dream; it’s a reality that protects lives.
Today, Amanda Nguyen is recognized as one of the leading advocates of her generation. She turned trauma into action and built a movement that demands dignity for all survivors. When asked how she continues despite constant challenges, her answer is unwavering: “We don’t have the luxury of ignoring it.” That deep resolve fuels every initiative she leads, every policy she drafts, and every speech she gives.
Her journey isn’t over. She’s now pushing for international agreements on survivor rights, expanding Rise’s global footprint, and mentoring a new wave of activists. With every campaign, she brings the same energy and empathy that began with her own story—ensuring that no survivor ever has to walk alone or unheard again.
Amanda Nguyen’s impact proves that a single voice, when focused and fearless, can change history. Her advocacy has built a legacy of justice, one that continues to grow, protect, and empower.
