When Phi Nguyen embarked on her career in public accounting, she knew where she wanted to end up: anywhere but Oklahoma. She was so confident about this direction that on her first day in the Leadership Oklahoma LOYAL Program, when she was asked where she envisioned herself in a year, she proudly proclaimed, “In one year, I won’t be living here anymore.” And then, just as the LOYAL (Linking Oklahoma’s Young Adult Leaders) program is designed to do for its participants, she realized Oklahoma City could offer a fulfilling future.
“LOYAL reminded me how incredible OKC is,” Nguyen said. “Something triggered in me that I wanted to contribute to my home, my place. I think I’ve been able to really set myself on that path … I’m really proud of my community involvement and what I’m able to provide back to a city that has treated me so well.”
From that year forward, Nguyen has dedicated her time and talents to building up Oklahoma City. Not only has she remained involved with Leadership Oklahoma (she currently serves on its Board of Directors), she is also the Chief Operating Officer for the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership. In this role, she collaborates with the city and downtown business owners, and oversees all financial, administrative and street-level operations that contribute to a safe and vibrant downtown. Since she joined the nonprofit 10 years ago, the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership’s budget has doubled from $2.5 million to $5 million.
“Our organization has evolved so much. Just think back, the past decade: how much downtown has grown, how much more dense it’s become, and that’s obviously spurred more needs and more services. It’s been really incredible to have my finger on the pulse of what’s happening in our community in that way,” said Nguyen.
She is definitely a downtown enthusiast, which is evident in all the downtown events she plans and attends, and amplified by her job and volunteer work. In addition to Leadership Oklahoma, she serves on the boards of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Arts Council Oklahoma City. She previously served seven years on the Regional Food Bank board. Her hobby — the local-food-laden Instagram page @TakeABiteOK — also promotes the OKC community.
“If I were to sum up my story, what I would want to share is how important it is to be a part of your community,” she said, adding that she loves to help others find meaningful ways to connect.
It turns out that all the big-city things Nguyen was envisioning for her future self — a thriving community, personal connections, exciting opportunities — were available for her right here all along. Her desire to move away has long passed.
“Now, a decade later, I wouldn’t give this up for anything. My investment is too high, and Oklahoma City has just become a core part of who I am,” said Nguyen. “We’ve only been on the up and up, and it’s been so incredible to be a part of it.”
