Legislative Update
Mar 31, 2023
MA State Rep. Tram Nguyen
Legislative Update

Tram Nguyen is the State Representative for the 18th Essex District, which includes parts of Andover, Boxford, North Andover, and Tewksbury. She is a first-generation Vietnamese American immigrant and was the first person in her family to attend college and law school. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Tufts University and a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. From the start of her legal career until she took office, Nguyen worked at Greater Boston Legal Services as a legal aid attorney and advocated for domestic violence survivors, workers, seniors, veterans, and children. She also engaged in legislative advocacy and worked with statewide coalitions, lawmakers, and lawmaking bodies to push for laws that address issues of racial and economic justice and protect the rights of the most vulnerable populations. Nguyen was elected into office in November 2018 as the first Vietnamese American woman to serve in the Massachusetts Legislature, and she is committed to public service and continues advocating for others. 

As an attorney, she received the Lawrence Bar Association Merit Award, the Vietnamese American Bar Association Public Service Award, the Reginald Heber Smith Award for innovation and excellence in legal advocacy, and the UAW Social Justice Award. As a legislator, she's received the Women's Empowerment Award (2019), Asian American Women Political Initiative Legislator of the Year Award (2019), YDMA Young Democratic Elected of the Year Award (2020), Council of State Government 20 under 40 Award (2020), NewDEAL Leader (2021),  Gabby Giffords Rising Star Award from EMILY's List (Nominee, 2021), Caring Bear Award from the Caring Force of the Providers' Council (2021), Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Legislator of the Year Award (2022), and YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts Tribute to Women Award Recipient (2022).