Sharing Kimmy’s Story - AAPI Month
Kimmy as a child.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, also known as AAPI Month, is an annual observance in the United States that recognizes the historical, cultural, and social contributions of people of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent.
According to the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the theme for AANHPI Heritage Month 2026 is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” We recognize that same power in the many ways it shows up in our community, from the many volunteer shifts that it takes to power our program, to the guests who show up to shop together, and the neighbor who helps bridge a language barrier, serving as a translator.
One of our staff members, Kimmy Nguyen, spoke to us about how she serves her community through our Grocery Shopping program. Kimmy’s family immigrated to South Seattle from Vietnam 30 years ago. The year prior to joining RVFB, her Bà Ngoại (maternal grandmother) passed away, which took her on a journey to Vietnam for the first time. Last spring she began working at RVFB and felt right as home seeing so many Vietnamese guests that visit our food bank.
Kimmy and her grandmother.
When she started working at RVFB, she found out that her Bà Ngoại was a guest with us 20+ years ago. She shared, that ever since she found out about her grandmother's connection with us, she feels her presence here every day while serving the Vietnamese community through our programs.
One thing Kimmy's grandmother wished was for her to know was how to speak Vietnamese. Growing up in Seattle, she did not practice enough to be fluent. She understood well enough at home, but since working at the food bank and seeing just how many AAPI guests we have, especially guests from Vietnam, she has been able to practice speaking with them and improve on her speaking skills. Kimmy shared that she feels like her grandmother guided her to RVFB and now she gets practice speaking Vietnamese to elders in her community who remind her so much of her grandparents. Kimmy honors her ancestors and brings their legacy here at RVFB.
Kimmy and her family’s story are a reminder of how valuable connection is. It’s a reminder of the incredible connections that are fostered here, surrounding food and culture. Vietnamese elders often bring Kimmy homemade Vietnamese food and gifts from Vietnam because of her work here. They share their appreciation with her for the way she shows up and supports Vietnamese community members. Her daily work is a reminder to her community that they are not alone, even if they are 3,000 miles away from their homeland. There will always be a touch of home with Kimmy at RVFB.
Kimmy is graduating in three weeks with a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership. As a first-generation college graduate, she has been feeling so many emotions. She is grateful for how the universe guided her to RVFB, and she is able to give back to her community.
Kimmy's grandmother lives on with Rainier Valley and so does many of our Vietnamese community, our Asian community, our AAPI community. Our Rainier Valley Food Bank community.
Photos from Kimmy’s childhood.