Power Couple Battles for Political and Athletic Representation

A Trailblazer in Politics and Business

Daniel Nguyen, the first person of color and Asian to be elected to the Lake Oswego City Council, has carved a unique path in Oregon politics. His journey from being a Vietnamese American immigrant to a state representative is a story of perseverance, representation, and community empowerment.

Born in Vietnam to parents who arrived in America as refugees in 1975, Nguyen grew up in Washington, where he never saw people in positions of power who looked like him. Even after moving to Oregon, the lack of representation remained a challenge. This absence of role models inspired him to enter politics, hoping to become the face he wished he had seen growing up.

From Business to Public Service

Before entering politics, Nguyen built a successful career in business. He co-founded Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen with his wife, Katherine Lam, who also serves as a Port of Portland Commissioner. Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen, located in Portland’s South Waterfront, is one of the city’s longest-running storefronts and has received high praise on Yelp. Together, they form a powerful couple making waves in both the business and political spheres of Oregon.

In 2018, Nguyen was elected to the Lake Oswego City Council, and in 2022, he won the Oregon State general election, defeating the Republican incumbent representing the state’s 38th district. His success in politics is rooted in his commitment to issues that matter most to his community—immigrant rights and education. He aims to be a public face for young people from migrant families, showing them that leadership is possible.

Nguyen credits his experience as a restauranteur with helping him navigate the challenges of public service. He believes that the skills he developed in business, such as customer service and communication, have been invaluable in his political career.

Recognizing Excellence and Promoting Representation

In 2024, Nguyen was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame, alongside his wife, Katherine Lam. This honor has motivated him to do more for the communities he serves, especially the Asian American community. That same year, he joined forces with Lam, RAJ Sports EVP Karina LeBlanc, Miss Oregon Shivali Kadam, and others as presenters for the “Power of Portland” Gala, held on September 12.

The gala aimed to honor recipients of the Women in Sports Scholarship, encouraging women from all racial backgrounds to apply. Portland was chosen by the Asian Hall of Fame to host this event, highlighting the city’s growing role as an epicenter for women’s professional sports.

Nguyen sees the importance of such events in promoting visibility and representation for Asian women in sports. He emphasizes that while sports may not traditionally be encouraged by Asian migrant parents, it is crucial to change these perceptions. By supporting scholarships and creating platforms for Asian women, he hopes to inspire more young people to pursue careers in areas like sports, politics, and the creative industry.

A Call for Unity and Opportunity

Nguyen stresses the need for Asian Americans to come together and create more opportunities for future generations. He believes that politicians and organizations must work hand in hand to ensure that these opportunities are accessible and visible.

“I am willing to do my bit as someone who is an elected official and use my platform to provide the visibility,” Nguyen said. “I am also always willing to work hand in hand with organizations such as the Asian Hall of Fame to ensure these funding opportunities are distributed and that we can see more changes in the demographics of areas such as sports.”

As he continues his work, Nguyen remains committed to breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive future for all. His journey is not just about personal achievement but about inspiring others to dream bigger and reach higher.