The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum presents the 2024 lecture series, featuring a wide range of speakers offering diverse perspectives and unique insights on Pikes Peak regional history.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Refugee Women are Changemakers is a compelling presentation that highlights the transformative impact of refugee women on society, emphasizing their resilience, achievements, and contributions to positive change.

You’ll hear the personal narrative of presenter Nga Vương-Sandoval, who will share her Vietnamese refugee journey and her commitment to local, national, and global human rights and social justice advocacy.

Her experiences, both as a refugee and an advocate, offer a unique firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by forcibly displaced persons and the powerful impact of refugee women.

This presentation will inspire and empower the audience to recognize the potential within refugee women and support initiatives that contribute to the well-being and success of forcibly displaced individuals.

The presentation is a call to action, urging everyone to become advocates for positive change and champions for the rights and dignity of refugee worldwide.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Nga Vương-Sandoval is a Vietnamese refugee whose extraordinary journey and advocacy have propelled her into the forefront of local, national, and international human rights advocacy, focusing on issues and policies impacting forcibly displaced persons and underrepresented groups.

Having served in homeland security, the Colorado Department of Law, as an Immigration DEI Advisor, and managed the US Refugee Advisory Board, she brings a wealth of experience to her advocacy work.

Her significant contributions include serving as a Refugee Representative at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, Switzerland, and advising the Refugee Advisory Group for the same organization.

Her commitment to community service is evident through her role as Chair for Program Services on the Lutheran Family Services Board of Directors.

She’s also a founding member and public speaker for the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau, amplifying the voices of refugees.

Nga is a TEDx Presenter for her thought-provoking talk, "Assimilation is Colonization," which challenges prevailing narratives. She has been recognized by the Colorado Attorney General Award for Outstanding Community Service and received the Refugee Congress Excellence Award.

Her story has been immortalized in a mural in Denver by renowned artist Thomas Evans. Her refugee journey and advocacy have been featured in prestigious outlets such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Association for USA, Business Insider, The Denver Post, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver Arts and Venues, University of Colorado Denver, Regis University, and various national and local media outlets.

In 2023, she received the Anti-Defamation League Civil Rights Award, highlighting her dedication to civil rights causes. Named one of "Ten People to Watch" by Denver Westword; she continues to trail blaze as founder and chair for Lunar New Year Allies Advisory Group.

Under her leadership, Lunar New Year was officially recognized as an observed Colorado state holiday.

Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of advocacy and leadership.

Through her tireless efforts, she continues to inspire change, break barriers, and advocate for the rights and dignity of forcibly displaced persons and marginalized communities.

Please note that due to our HVAC project and the temporary closure of the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, this lecture will be held at the Peel House at First Lutheran. Admission is free, but registration is required.

LOCATION & PARKING

The event is located at the Peel House at First Lutheran located at 1515 N Cascade Ave.

Learn more about our host site here: https://peelhouseatfirst.net/