Fairfield, CA – Solano Community College Superintendent President Dr. Kellie Sims Butler has the pleasure of announcing that Vice President and Trustee Jacqui Nguyen has been selected as the 2026 Johnnie D. Giles Forward Award recipient by the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs (NAAPPPA) for her leadership and service in public affairs.
The prestigious award recognizes individuals in leadership roles who are at the forefront of mentoring, advocacy, training, and advancing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professionals in politics and public affairs. Nguyen was selected for her longstanding commitment to public service, leadership across multiple professional fields, and dedication to expanding opportunities for AAPI communities.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition. As an immigrant, I’ve pursued the American Dream by serving my community through public service and community advocacy. I remain committed to building practical pathways for diverse leadership, strengthening civic engagement, and ensuring AAPI voices are represented in California’s public policy and decision-making. This commitment has guided my work, including during the height of anti-Asian hate, when I took on a leadership role and organized a massive rally at the State Capitol with AAPI community partners to ensure our concerns were heard. I will continue expanding access to public service, supporting leadership development, and delivering results that reflect the needs of our communities,” said Solano Community College Trustee Jacqui Nguyen.
Throughout her career as a public affairs professional, journalist, and legislative staff member, Nguyen has been a tireless advocate for the AAPI community. In addition to her current role as Communications Director at the California State Senate, she currently serves as 1st Vice President on the Asian Pacific State Employees Association (APSEA), Co-chair of the Solano Commission on Women & Girls (SCWG), and a consultant for the APAPA-Government Appointments Committee (APAPA-GAC).
Nguyen is the first Asian American and Vietnamese American to serve on the Solano Community College Governing Board. In 2025, she was elected by her fellow trustees to serve as Vice President of the Governing Board.
“Vice President and Trustee Nguyen’s experience brings a diverse and impactful voice to the Governing Board,” said Solano Community Governing Board President Amber Cargo-Reed. “Her leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to public service continue to strengthen both our college and community.”
Nguyen’s impact extends far beyond mentorship. Since 2023, her leadership and advocacy have helped nearly two dozen individuals secure gubernatorial and judicial appointments, expanding opportunities for AAPI professionals and helping build more inclusive leadership across California and beyond.
The award will be publicly announced on May 21, 2026, with an in-person recognition reception taking place in Sacramento, California.
Solano Community College celebrates Trustee Nguyen’s achievement and her continued dedication to service, leadership development, and community advocacy. She represents District Area 7, encompassing Vacaville, Dixon, and Winters.