A Woman Who Dares

My friend Xuan Nguyen (pronounced Sue-Ahn Win) turned 52 today. But once you hear her life story, it seems as if she's already lived many lives. Xuan is the most courageous and spirited woman I've ever met...and the Library of Congress agrees. She is one of 53 women featured in its calendar book titled, "Women Who Dare."

Every week, there's a photo and biography describing a woman who's impacted the world. There's Lillian Copeland - the first woman to compete in Olympic track and field events. Sally Ride - the first American woman in space. Angelina Grimke - the first woman to address lawmakers about abolitionism.

When you get to September, there's Xuan and here's what it says:

Described as the Vera Wang of the northwestern United States, Xuan Nguyen didn't even learn to sew until she was twenty. She grew up in Vietnam when the country was at war. With one brother fighting and another hiding, Nguyen was forced to support her family, but selling goods in the market wasn't enough. Like other girls in war-torn countries, she turned to prostitution to survive. In 1974 she emigrated to the United States with her second husband, an American soldier, and went to work part-time at a bridal shop. Owner Lucille Payton taught her the skills that she continues to use to fashion bridal gowns for her own thriving business. Nguyen acted as an interpreter in the Oscar-nominated documentary Regret to Inform (1998), in which she spoke openly about her own difficult past. In 2005 she returned to Vietnam to begin the New Day Project to help girls stay off the streets. Nguyen's students learn to sew, use computers, and speak English. Watching these girls laugh as they work, she says it is "through them that I live my childhood - without war."

Amazing, right? She even turned her birthday into a day focusing on the needs of those less fortunate. All she wanted was baby clothes to bring to Vietnam when she returns this fall.

The birthday girl also gave me a gift. My very own copy of "Women Who Dare." Words can't express my gratitude for her friendship and inspiration.

Happy Birthday Xuan!