In 2000, Lenda Nguyen entered Rainier Scholars as a fifth grader in the organization’s inaugural cohort, beginning what would become a 12-year journey through its rigorous academic and transformative leadership program. Twenty-six years later, Rainier Scholars is proud to announce her appointment as its new Seattle Executive Director, where she will join the executive leadership team to lead its continued growth and impact across Seattle.
This is an incredibly special moment for Rainier Scholars because Nguyen’s story reflects the very future the organization was founded to create. After graduating from high school, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington and a Master of Science from Fordham University. She has spent more than a decade helping students unlock opportunities of their own, building a career that took her from the classroom in New York City Public Schools to serving as Principal of Excellence Girls Middle Academy in Brooklyn.
“Ultimately, Rainier Scholars is about creating opportunities and access for students, and Lenda Nguyen more than exemplifies someone who has taken full advantage of the opportunities presented to her,” said Bob Hurlbut, founder of Rainier Scholars. “Rainier Scholars is truly fortunate to be adding Lenda to its team and participating in this full circle moment.”
At Excellence Girls Middle Academy, Nguyen led efforts to strengthen both academic performance and school culture. Under her leadership, attendance increased, academic outcomes improved, and students learned in an environment where they felt safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
In 2025, Nguyen returned home to Seattle to serve as Senior Director of School Support at Impact Public Schools, a network of four free K–6 schools in South Puget Sound working to close the education opportunity gap in Washington. There, she equipped teachers with coaching and mentorship to help every student thrive.
“Rainier Scholars really helped shape the trajectory of where I was going as a student and not just academically, but how I view leadership, service, and the responsibility to create opportunities for others,” remarks Nguyen. “My Rainier Scholars experience is what has given me such drive in my career and education, and why I stayed in education, because I understand the impact of having people who truly believe in you and your potential.”
Now, Nguyen joins Rainier Scholars as Seattle Executive Director, bringing a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and a personal commitment to helping scholars throughout Seattle live out their dreams.
“As a staff across Seattle, Tacoma, and our executive leadership team, we are creating pathways for students from all walks of life throughout our region to live out their wildest dreams,” said CEO Eddie Lincoln. “When we do our best work, we see incredible outcomes like Lenda.” Nguyen officially began her role as Seattle Executive Director on July 15, a milestone that brings her long relationship with Rainier Scholars into its next chapter.