Advocate Amanda Nguyen Shares Journey from Landmark Legislation to Historic Space Mission

Amanda Nguyen, a prominent advocate known for turning her personal trauma into legislative change for sexual assault survivors, is now preparing for a significant new journey—to become the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman in space. Speaking recently on CBS Mornings, Nguyen expressed confidence rather than fear about her upcoming flight aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft. Reflecting on her family's past hardships as Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen draws strength from their resilience, stating that if her family could endure their difficult journey, she can certainly accomplish hers as well.

Nguyen is part of a historic mission involving an all-female crew, including notable participants such as CBS Mornings' co-host Gayle King, musician Katy Perry, philanthropist Lauren Sanchez, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, and producer Kerrianne Flynn. During this groundbreaking trip, she plans to perform two scientific experiments. One experiment is in collaboration with the Vietnamese National Space Center, while the other focuses specifically on aspects of women's health—an issue Nguyen highlights as critical. She explained that, historically, women were once barred from becoming NASA astronauts due to misconceptions related to menstruation and a lack of supportive scientific data.

In addition to this historic space journey, Nguyen celebrated the recent launch of her memoir entitled "Saving Five." The book addresses different versions of herself across various ages—5, 22, 30, and even her envisioned 80-year-old self—to foster genuine reflection and growth. Nguyen emphasized that choosing these perspectives was intentional, meant to inspire readers to understand their full potential and feel proud of themselves. Her central message, she says, is for readers to know their dreams matter and can still come true, no matter what life has put them through.

Nguyen candidly discussed how experiencing sexual assault altered her personal dreams, putting her aspirations on hold as she pursued justice. Her determined advocacy resulted in the creation and unanimous passage through Congress of the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights. A notable provision of this legislation was ensuring that rape kits are preserved longer; previously, they were destroyed after just six months in Massachusetts and only 30 days in New York.

Looking back on a decade of advocating for survivors' rights, Nguyen finds herself finally reconnecting with the person she was before her trauma. Now on the threshold of becoming a historic space traveler and celebrating her memoir release, Nguyen hopes her story continues to inspire strength, resilience, and perseverance in others.