MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HONORED IN FORBES MAGAZINE
You may have heard of Martin High School senior Vivian Nguyen before . She started a clothing line , Dyenosaur Apparel , a few years ago to celebrate youth creativity and support the community .
Her success led to her becoming the youngest panelist at GenZ Girl Con , an online conference promoting women ’ s empowerment to hundreds of students and professionals around the world . After speaking , Nguyen received an influx of messages from conference attendees .
What started out as simple questions from curious teenagers led to the formation of The Formula Project . The nonprofit organization is a mentorship program for low-income minority underclassmen to receive support and help develop interpersonal and professional skills .
If those accomplishments weren ’ t enough , Nguyen recently landed another one . A huge one .
The standout is listed in Forbes Magazine as one of 6 Teens Who Make the World A Better Place .
“ It ’ s super motivational and inspiring to make it to Forbes , especially because we ’ re all so young ,” said Nguyen . “ It ’ s empowering to see other teenagers being involved in activism or entrepreneurship to spark change using their own platforms as launching pads .”
The six teens have already started a group chat to learn about the initiatives and how they can help each other . Nguyen is particularly passionate about providing support to underrepresented communities .
“ Growing up as an Asian American , I didn ’ t see many female people of color represented or in leadership positions ,” said Nguyen . “ I noticed there was a lack of role models and support in the community , so I wanted to be the solution to that problem . Eighth grade is an impressionable time in young students ’ lives , and I think it ’ s important that they have role models , especially to guide them through the transition going into high school .
“ I know there are a lot of issues in the community , but through The Formula Project , I know that we can take the initiative to make some type of difference .”
Although she ’ s only 17 , Nguyen knows she will leave a legacy .
“ With Dyenosaur Apparel and The Formula Project , the overarching mission is to alleviate the burden from underprivileged communities ,” said Nguyen . “ Whether it ’ s through social entrepreneurship or philanthropy , my goal is to create lasting positive
changes in the community . By helping others , I ’ ve learned what it truly means to be selfless , and I have a greater understanding of who I am . I know this is bigger than me .”
The Formula Project recently gave out free AP books and microscope kits to students in need . Every month , workshops are held , often inviting guest speakers to discuss their area of expertise . Meetings usually include developing professional skills like public speaking , networking and even STEM-related activities .
But the fun doesn ’ t stop there . The organization also hosts social events like bowling and volunteering with mentors .
Although the organization is in its early stages , the level of impact has already been felt by mentees , peers and staff surrounding Nguyen .
“ She always sees the bigger picture ,” said Jason Forsythe , Martin STEM Academy coordinator . “ We have people in our lives or community that can always see the problem and that ’ s the farthest they ’ ll go . She sees the problem and comes up with solutions , then puts them in action . She ’ s extraordinary .”
For more information on The Formula Project and ways to get involved , visit theformulaproject . org .