Nguyen Tran Thuy Tien

Nguyen Tran Thuy Tien, a deaf woman from Vietnam, is the Founder and Director of PARD Vietnam, a non-profit dedicated to empowering over 1,500 deaf individuals with essential skills for confidence and independence.

With the Giving Joy grant, Tien launched the "DeafLife Series: Empowering Deaf Women Entrepreneurs," a mini-documentary series showcasing the daily lives and careers of three deaf women entrepreneurs (nail technician, crochet shop owner and tailor). These videos challenge societal stereotypes, highlight the resilience and achievements of deaf women, and inspire others within the deaf community and beyond.

Grant activities started with the identification and gathering of stories about deaf women entrepreneurs across diverse industries; followed by script development, logistics and location set up; and lastly filming the three episodes showcasing each women’s work, challenges and triumphs.

For many of the three featured women, this was the first time publicly sharing their journeys. The experience was deeply empowering, allowing them to reflect on their achievements, build confidence, and inspire others. One participant shared that the process helped her recognize her own resilience, while another felt newly motivated to pursue her goals, knowing her story could uplift others.

Since the release of the three episodes, the series has received over 21,700 views, sparking admiration and support from both Deaf and hearing audiences. The visibility has helped challenge stereotypes about Deaf individuals and highlighted the vital contributions of Deaf women to their communities. It also fostered inclusive conversations, community pride, and direct engagement—many viewers visited the featured businesses to show support in person.

The impact extended beyond those featured. More Deaf individuals have reached out to Tien, eager to share their stories and be part of future initiatives. The project strengthened Tien’s role as an advocate for Deaf inclusion and entrepreneurship, and led to new partnerships with businesses, media outlets, and advocacy groups. It also expanded her network of allies and supporters.

For Tien personally, this project was a milestone. It deepened her understanding of the Deaf experience and strengthened her storytelling, leadership, and advocacy skills. The journey was both professionally and personally transformative, broadening her perspective on accessibility and inclusion.

Ultimately, the DeafLife Series became more than just a storytelling project—it became a platform for empowerment, representation, and community connection. Its reach and resonance will continue to grow, shaping a more inclusive future for Deaf professionals and the communities around them.