Hiền Hòa Nguyễn was a Democratic representative for Oregon House District 48, which includes east Portland. She served two terms, elected in 2022 and reelected in 2024, assuming office on January 9, 2023, and was one of five Vietnamese American lawmakers in the Oregon Legislature. Born in New Orleans to Vietnamese immigrants who fled the Vietnam War in 1975, she grew up in a Vietnamese enclave, helping at her family's neighborhood food mart. At age 15, she moved to Portland, Oregon. Nguyễn was acclaimed for her advocacy on education, affordable childcare, disability rights, and community-building, including policies to address chronic absenteeism and support children with disabilities; in her honor, Oregon's Department of Education established an annual award for schools improving attendance.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Portland in 2003; earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Portland State University in 2008.
• Professional Experience: Worked in nonprofits and public education for over 20 years, including as extended day coordinator , school attendance case manager and program manager at Neighborhood House, school attendance coach for Portland Public Schools , and student and community engagement specialist for Clackamas Education Service District . Served on the David Douglas School Board.
• Political Experience: Elected to Oregon House District 48 in November 2022 as a Democrat, Independent, and Working Families candidate; reelected in 2024 but passed away during her second term from cancer at age 41.