ABOUT ME

My pronouns are she/her.

My name is Ava Phương Thảo Nguyễn.

I am a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) professional and professor of communication studies. I specialize in intercultural communication, which focuses on building meaningful and intentional relationships between folks of different cultures, backgrounds, and worldviews.

My approach to DEIB is primarily driven by establishing community through utilizing racially conscious language, applying equitable practices, and approaching projects with liberatory design. This entails creating brave spaces for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color to thrive, access power and resources, and express their intersectional identities. I am passionate about creating multiracial coalitions that dismantle white supremacy, combat anti-Blackness, uplift Indigenous voices, and promote collective liberation.

My work is informed by core theories of my field and evidence based practices and my personal experiences. I am a Vietnamese American immigrant woman who is passionate about connecting folks across cultures, helping people navigate the challenges of a multicultural world, sharing narratives, and building coalitions.

I have extensive experience in writing, designing, and facilitating DEIB professional development trainings. I currently serve as Chair of BLOOM (Bringing Light to Ourselves and Others through Multiculturalism) at Chaffey College. In this role, I work to provide faculty and staff with beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of understanding of DEIB principles and practices. Beyond my college campus, I have also served as a consultant to outside organizations seeking DEIB support. I also teach intercultural communication course sections online and in-person. Please visit my resume to see further details on my experience and DEIB leadership roles.