A Personal Odyssey Inspires Commitment to Strengthening Philadelphia’s Immigrant Communities
In a momentous event held at City Hall on March 7, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled several key appointments aimed at advancing her vision of making Philadelphia the “safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation with access to economic opportunity for all.”
Among the notable appointments is Ngan Tran, who has been appointed as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at the Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA).
In a city renowned for its historical tapestry and vibrant diversity, Philadelphia continues to reinforce its commitment to inclusivity. Ngan’s journey, rooted in her own immigrant experience, is a testament to the city’s ongoing dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for all.
From Vietnam to Philadelphia: A Personal Odyssey
Ngan Tran’s story began in Vietnam, where she was born before embarking on a transformative journey to the United States with her family at the age of eight. Despite not being born in the city, Philadelphia quickly became her home, shaping her formative years through the Philadelphia school district and higher education at Lehigh University.
“I was raised in Philadelphia and have called it my home ever since I came to the States,” Ngan shared in a recent interview.
Passion Born from Experience
Ngan’s appointment as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at the OIA is not just a career milestone but a continuation of her lifelong commitment to making a difference in her community. As the daughter of immigrants and an immigrant herself, Ngan intimately understands the hardships and challenges faced by immigrant communities in the United States.
“Being an immigrant entails more than just relocating to a new country; it’s about embracing a new home and contributing to its vibrancy,” Ngan emphasized.
Career Trajectory: A Path of Community Impact
Before joining the OIA, Ngan’s career was marked by roles within the City of Philadelphia, where she consistently centered her work on making a tangible impact on underserved communities. Her experiences at the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) and Philly Counts showcased her dedication to uplifting communities and ensuring resources for vital programs.
“My career has always centered on making a tangible impact on communities,” Ngan explained. “I aim to enact change that fosters a sense of belonging for immigrants and ensures that city policies align with the needs of all residents, especially those who have been historically overlooked.”
Vision for the Future
In her new role, Ngan is poised to contribute to the OIA’s mission of promoting the well-being of Philadelphia’s immigrant communities. Her primary goal is to foster community, bridge gaps among diverse immigrant populations, and amplify their voices to ensure their concerns are not only heard but also addressed.
“Ultimately, I aim to cultivate a Philadelphia that embraces and celebrates its immigrant residents wholeheartedly,” Ngan affirmed.
Beyond Work: A Lifelong Learner and Explorer
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ngan is described as an avid learner who values spending time with friends and family. Her love for travel reflects a deep appreciation for different cultures, food, and people—an aspect of her life that undoubtedly enriches her ability to connect with diverse communities.
Ngan Tran’s appointment as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at the OIA signifies not only a career progression but a continuation of her personal commitment to strengthening Philadelphia’s immigrant communities. As she takes on this pivotal role, Ngan’s unique perspective and passion for inclusivity are poised to contribute significantly to the city’s ongoing narrative of diversity and unity.
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Where are you originally from and why did you come to Philly?
I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States with my family when I was eight years old. I attended elementary, middle, and high school in the Philadelphia school district and attended Lehigh University for higher education. Although I was not born in the city, I was raised in Philadelphia and I have called it my home ever since I came to the States.
Why are you interested in working for the Office of Immigrant Affairs?
As both the daughter of immigrants and an immigrant myself, I intimately understand the hardships and struggles that immigrants face in the United States. Witnessing these challenges firsthand in Philadelphia fueled my desire to make a difference in my community.
I’ve seen language barriers hinder not just my mother but many immigrants from feeling fully integrated into their communities. I aim to enact change that fosters a sense of belonging for immigrants and ensures that city policies align with the needs of all residents, especially those who have been historically overlooked. Being an immigrant entails more than just relocating to a new country; it’s about embracing a new home and contributing to its vibrancy. Philadelphia is enriched by countless immigrant stories and experiences, and I’m passionate about amplifying these narratives through my work at OIA.
Tell us a little bit about your career before joining OIA?
Prior to joining OIA, I held roles within the City of Philadelphia. Most recently, I worked at the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO), where I served as a grants compliance monitor, overseeing grants for community organizations aimed at uplifting underserved communities.
Before that, I worked at Philly Counts as the Operations Manager, ensuring that our programs received the necessary resources to thrive. My career has always centered on making a tangible impact on communities. Before coming to the City, I was with VietLEAD, focusing on serving Southeast Asian immigrants in Philadelphia.
What do you do in your free time?
In my leisure time, I love learning and experiencing new things. I value spending time with friends and family. I love traveling to different cities and countries and experiencing the culture, food, and people.
What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?
During my time at OIA, my primary goal is to foster community and bridge gaps among diverse immigrant populations. I aspire to elevate immigrant voices and ensure that the community’s concerns are not only heard but also addressed. Ultimately, I aim to cultivate a Philadelphia that embraces and celebrates its immigrant residents wholeheartedly.