Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Nguyen.
Hi Annette , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up surrounded by strong, fierce women, with my mom at the center of it all. She led our household with unwavering resilience, and watching her navigate life with so much grit left a lasting impression on me. That same strength is something I’ve carried with me throughout both my personal journey and my career.
College was far from a linear path. I ended up dropping out of my first school, feeling out of place and without a community that truly understood me. I was the only one in my family pursuing what felt like a nontraditional path at the time as I was the only one in my family to pursue a corporate and creative career, and ultimately had to figure everything out on my own. Most of the time it was overwhelming and lonely as I had lacked a support system and community. But during the height of the pandemic, I crossed paths with someone who completely changed the course of my life. They saw something in me, took a chance, and helped me land my first full-time job at a Fortune 500 company. That one act of belief meant everything, and it was the first time I truly understood just how powerful mentorship and support could be.
That experience planted a seed. As I started to grow in my career and eventually landed my first full-time marketing role at Disney, I found myself surrounded by a diverse and inspiring group of people, including many women in leadership. It became clear to me how much of an impact representation and community can have. During my free time, I began speaking at colleges, mentoring students, and sharing career advice online, especially on LinkedIn, where I started to build a community of my own through thought leadership and early career insights. It felt natural to want to give back in the way others had once shown up for me.
Things shifted again when I transitioned into tech. I quickly became the youngest manager at my company, and more often than not, I was the only woman and the only person of color in the room. It was jarring. I became very aware of how isolating the lack of representation can be, and how it doesn’t just impact who gets in the door, but also who feels safe enough to stay, grow, and lead. What I had once taken for granted at Disney now became the very thing I realized so many women didn’t have access to.
Through countless conversations with other women who had experienced similar challenges, a new sense of purpose began to take shape. My co-founder Amie and I decided to build what we ourselves had needed — a community where women could connect, feel seen, and be supported in both bold and tangible ways. That’s how Emboldly was born, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, community, and access to the resources that help them thrive.
Our vision is ambitious but deeply personal. We want to help fix the “broken rung” in the ladder to leadership and work toward a world where 50 percent of women hold leadership roles by 2050. Because when women are truly equipped with both the tools and the confidence to lead, the impact reaches far beyond just one person.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In every part of my personal and professional journey, the biggest challenges have often turned out to be the biggest blessings. It’s definitely not been a smooth road. Especially now, with DEI initiatives being scaled back or removed entirely, the gap in representation feels wider than ever. But even in the face of that, I’ve seen something really beautiful — more and more women showing up for each other, creating space, and building community in ways that feel so genuine and powerful.
Here in Los Angeles, working closely with local founders and small businesses has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work. The level of enthusiasm, support, and feedback we’ve received has been incredible. People are rallying behind this mission in such a real way, and the truth is, Emboldly wouldn’t be where it is today without that community showing up for us. It’s been humbling and inspiring to witness, and it reminds me every day why we do what we do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Believe it or not, Emboldly isn’t my 9-to-5. During the day, I’ve built my career in partnerships marketing, with a focus on strategic collaborations in the entertainment and advertising industries. I’ve had the opportunity to work at incredible companies like Paramount and Disney, and now I’m part of the fast-moving world of ad tech startups. Over the years, I’ve worked on large-scale marketing campaigns for Marvel and Disney channel brands, including national TV spots, product placement in tv shows and movies, and milestone events like Disney’s 100-year anniversary. I’ve also consulted with executives in the streaming space as the worlds of entertainment and tech continue to evolve.
What I’m most proud of is the passion I bring to my work and my ability to turn ideas into something real. I’ve always had a natural ability to spot how brands can add value to each other, and I’ve been able to bring that same skillset to Emboldly. Through that, we’ve built partnerships with amazing brands like Tarte, Tower28, BareMinerals, and Olipop, which helped put our organization on the map in such a short time. At the core of everything I do is a love for building relationships and connecting with people. That part has always come naturally to me, and it’s what continues to drive me every day.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
With the rise of social organizations in Los Angeles and other major cities, we’re seeing a powerful shift back toward building real-life community and meaningful relationships. The need for genuine connection has become even more apparent in the years following COVID, and more women than ever are seeking spaces where they can form friendships rooted in shared values and common interests.
Professionally, there’s a clear movement away from traditional, transactional networking. People are craving more authentic and approachable ways to connect. At Emboldly, we’re passionate about creating accessible, affordable, and intentionally curated experiences that don’t feel overly corporate. Instead, they feel personal, unique, and deeply community-driven.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emboldly.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embold.ly/
