Daring to Stand Out

Defying All Expectations

In the heart of every diverse community, there are stories of struggle, resilience and, ultimately, triumph. Leyna Nguyen’s is a classic narrative of triumph, one that illustrates the profound impact that a willful soul can have in the world of financial services and beyond. Born the oldest of three in Vietnam, Leyna's life took a dramatic turn in 1975, when her father helped her family escaped to the U.S. just before the fall of Saigon. During these early experiences as a refugee, Leyna quickly learned to defy expectations by embracing her own unique identity.

In a culture where blending in was the norm, Leyna chose to stand out. She transformed the challenge of being different into an opportunity to excel and inspire. Her confidence and refusal to be held back by status or shame propelled her to success in a field where Asian women were historically rare. Despite being told it was impossible, Leyna rose to become an important figure in broadcasting, winning five Emmy Awards for her work as a journalist and making broadcast history for being the first newscaster to serve as an anchor for two news networks in the same market — a powerful example of defying stereotypes and breaking barriers in the process.

Finding Strength Through Difference

Leyna's success is rooted in her ability to see her differences not as obstacles, but as sources of strength. This mindset became crucial after she’d retired from broadcasting and she started to build a business as an Executive Field Chairman with First Financial Security, where understanding and relating to diverse backgrounds can be the key to offering financial protection and building generational wealth in communities often overlooked by the traditional financial sector.

Leyna's drive stems from her deep appreciation of her parents' sacrifices and her determination to honor their legacy. The strict upbringing and high expectations of growing up in an Asian family with a military father, while challenging, helped her build a relentless ambition and standard for excellence. She channels these skills into her work helping others, particularly through Love Across the Ocean, a nonprofit she founded to give back to her native Vietnam, helping impoverished children and families by providing basic human needs, renovating schools and sponsoring educations.

Through her journey, Leyna has shown that being different is a superpower. Her story is a shining example of somebody who is changing the face of insurance. Leyna isn’t just breaking barriers — she’s transforming the lives of those who might otherwise be overlooked.