Happy Monday! My heart is still glowing from the incredible conversation I had yesterday with Nguyen Hoang Minh Hieu, our very first guest on the Sunny Valley Podcast. His story is nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m honored to share it with you.
Hieu and I are both alumni of UWC Pearson College. Although we graduated in different years, we reconnected through our shared commitment to youth empowerment and global education. From our very first chat, I was struck by his humility, intelligence, and the deep purpose that guides his every step.
Born and raised in Di Linh, Lam Dong, a rural area in Vietnam with limited access to healthcare, Hieu experienced firsthand the consequences of medical inaccessibility. Seeing people suffer from treatable illnesses planted the seed of a dream: to become a doctor and change lives. And not just in his community, but across continents.
The Road Less Traveled: From Vietnam to Middlebury College
Despite financial challenges and immense academic pressure, Hieu pursued his dream relentlessly. He earned a full scholarship to Middlebury College in the U.S., where he majored in neuroscience and conducted groundbreaking research in cancer biology and behavioral neuroendocrinology.
During our conversation, Hieu recalled working as a research assistant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Rockefeller University, as well as contributing to social entrepreneurship projects. His passion for service was evident even in college, where he implemented a healthcare project in Kenya through a prestigious fellowship. That project introduced telehealth support to communities with limited access to care—an early expression of his vision for equitable healthcare.
He balanced academics, research, and leadership with an unwavering commitment to making healthcare more accessible, especially for underserved communities. It was clear to me while listening that every step of his journey was driven by more than ambition—it was guided by compassion.
Defying the Odds: Becoming a Knight-Hennessy Scholar
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Hieu talked about his decision to pursue medicine in the U.S. A professor once warned him that it would be “too hard for international students.” In the 200-year history of Middlebury College, no international student had ever made it to medical school in the U.S.
But Hieu wasn’t discouraged. Instead, he told himself: “I will be the one who does it.” And he did.
Hieu was recently selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar and will soon begin medical school at Stanford University, after completing his MPhil in Clinical Neurosciences at Cambridge University. His courage to pursue a seemingly impossible path is an inspiration for every young person with a dream.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program supports future global leaders who demonstrate both excellence and a commitment to service. It’s no surprise that Hieu was selected. His trajectory is a shining example of what can happen when determination meets opportunity.
A Poet, a Visionary, and a Changemaker
Beyond the academic brilliance, Hieu is a poet at heart. During a lunch in Vietnam last summer, he read me poems he had written. It was a moment I’ll never forget—tender, reflective, and soulful. His ability to blend intellect with heart is rare.
We also share a vision: to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in accessing global education opportunities. Long before becoming a scholar, Hieu founded VON – Bay Cao Hy Vong, a student-run nonprofit that raised more than 200 million VND to support indigenous and rural youth in Vietnam. His work has impacted over 160 students and families, providing them with education and basic healthcare access.
His organization didn’t just provide resources—it offered hope. Hieu believed that young people in difficult circumstances deserve the same chances as anyone else. And he took action to make that belief a reality. It’s this kind of leadership—quiet, steady, and deeply empathetic—that inspires lasting change.
The Power of Belief and Community
What I love most about Hieu’s story is how universal it is. It’s about believing in yourself when no one else does. It’s about choosing courage over comfort, purpose over popularity, and community over competition.
In sharing his journey, I hope young listeners—especially those from small towns, modest backgrounds, or underrepresented communities—can see a reflection of themselves and feel empowered to dream bigger.
Hieu is a bright light, and I feel so honored to share his story on Sunny Valley. His voice is exactly what we need right now: full of humility, filled with hope, and committed to healing.
Listen to Episode 1 of the Sunny Valley Podcast featuring Hoang Minh Hieu
🎧 [Coming soon – Stay tuned on SunnyHappyValley.com]