Khanh Nguyen

About yourself

Growing up in Vietnam witnessing my family members using rhino horns or bear bile to “allegedly” cure their illnesses, I was determined to become a conservationist, to speak for those unable to speak. As the Community Engagement Coordinator at Save Vietnam's Wildlife - a local non-profit organization, my work centers around raising awareness and inspiring communities to take action to protect endangered species such as the Sunda Pangolin, Chinese Pangolin, Owston’s Civet, and many other magnificent creatures from being gone forever. We engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, from government officials to school children and community members living in the buffer zone of key biodiversity sites to reconnect people with nature, promote a sense of responsibility, and ensure that local communities benefit from sustainable conservation efforts.

What are some of the rewards and challenges working in conservation?

Working in conservation has been my dream since I was little, and so far it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. There’s something about knowing that your efforts — whether in the field or behind a desk — are contributing to the protection of wildlife and the natural world. I’ve had moments of awe watching endangered animals in their natural habitats, and times of pride seeing local communities embrace conservation values. But it’s not always easy. Being a woman in conservation can be both inspiring and isolating. While I’m proud to work in a field driven by passion and purpose, I’ve also felt the weight of being underrepresented — especially in leadership roles and decision-making spaces.

There’s also a quiet expectation to be endlessly resilient amidst challenges and misconceptions, both in the workplace and from society. The emotional toll of constantly fighting for change in systems that are slow to respond, while feeling unheard or undervalued, can be overwhelming.

What does being part of the ASAP Network of Women mean to you and what do you hope to achieve?

As a woman actively involved in on-the-ground conservation work, we often feel undervalued, helpless, under-represented, and so many other adjectives that can undermine our motivation and opportunities in a field that is already so challenging. Becoming a part of the ASAP Network of Women, surrounded by sisters who are resilient and inspiring women leaders is a solid reminder that I am enough, and I am not alone in the journey to protect our ecosystems and biodiversity. 

Joining this program will equip me with the lessons and tools to harness and enhance my leadership skills, which will not only benefit my capacity as a leader but also make a substantial contribution to wildlife conservation efforts in Vietnam. Beyond that, it is a much needed space for women in conservation like me to come together, learn from each other’s stories and experiences, and support one another through recognition, empathy, compassion and empowerment.

Ultimately, by strengthening my capacity and fostering meaningful connections, I hope to not only amplify the role of women in conservation but also inspire and connect more and more people, especially the younger generations to become conservation leaders.

We are stronger when we are together!

What is your biggest takeaway from the in-person retreat sessions?

The in-person retreat presented a new perspective, a new lens to view myself. As a woman and a woman in conservation, I am constantly faced with doubts, uncertainties, lack of understanding and empathy; not to mention being put in situations where my values, mental health, or even morals are being questioned or compromised. The retreat was a healing pause that I need to reflect and look within; to come back clearer, more assured, and more visible. From the discussions with mentors and sisters, engagement with the materials and exercises, they allowed me to reconnect with my own values and reaffirmed the importance of taking care of my well-being in order to create sustainable impacts in my work. I also left with a stronger sense of confidence and compassion for myself - that we can all be powerful (and vulnerable) in our own way!