Leslie V. Nguyen-Okwu, a literary talent represented by Sterling Lord Literistic, is the author of the forthcoming book “American Hyphen” about balancing on the tightrope between Black America and Asian America as a first-generation Vietnamese Nigerian American.
As an award-winning journalist and seasoned speechwriter, Leslie boasts an impressive track record of working with major media outlets and industry giants. Her portfolio includes bylines in The New York Times, BBC, National Geographic, The Economist, Harper's Bazaar, and creative collaborations with tech titans like Google (via EnVeritas Group), Airbnb, and HTC. With nearly a decade of experience writing for esteemed publications and advising influential policymakers and business leaders, Leslie‘s insightful commentary has made her a sought-after expert, making notable appearances on television, print, and radio.
In a defining chapter of her life this year, she battled a rare, aggressive form of blood cancer and nearly died. She is currently on an extended medical leave of absence from her Master's in Public Policy at Harvard University, where she exhibited remarkable resilience by continuing classes while receiving chemotherapy and attending lectures with her portable infusion pump during the first year of her graduate program. Today, she’s in remission and tumor-free. Grateful for her second chance at life, Leslie is determined to finish her memoir while continuing to advocate for fellow BIPOC cancer survivors like her.
As the proud daughter of refugees, Leslie explores the liminal spaces between borders and belonging. She holds a Bachelor's in International Relations from Stanford University, and her career as a foreign correspondent covering displacement, statelessness, and contested homelands has informed her storytelling. These experiences have earned her prestigious residencies, fellowships, and scholarships from institutions like Stanford University, Harvard University, the American Mandarin Society, the Asian American Journalist Association, Tin House, VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation), Kundiman, Catapult, Boston Writers of Color, GrubStreet, Boston Writers' Room, Hugo House, and more. Most recently, after completing chemotherapy, she served as a writer-in-residence at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada.
Fluent in Mandarin, Leslie is also an active member of the Black China Caucus and the National Association for Black Engagement with Asia. Previously, she worked as a technology reporter in Silicon Valley and a foreign correspondent in Asia. Special assignments included getting a knife massage in Taiwan, interviewing persecuted pop stars in Vietnam, and going under the needle for a traditional magic tattoo in Cambodia. In her spare time, Leslie finds joy in performing improv and stand-up comedy, tackling full marathons and Spartan races, embarking on multi-day mountain treks, and coaching workouts as a volunteer fitness instructor.
Since then, she has perfected the art of writing in the third person.
Social: Twitter | LinkedIn
As an award-winning journalist and seasoned speechwriter, Leslie boasts an impressive track record of working with major media outlets and industry giants. Her portfolio includes bylines in The New York Times, BBC, National Geographic, The Economist, Harper's Bazaar, and creative collaborations with tech titans like Google (via EnVeritas Group), Airbnb, and HTC. With nearly a decade of experience writing for esteemed publications and advising influential policymakers and business leaders, Leslie‘s insightful commentary has made her a sought-after expert, making notable appearances on television, print, and radio.
In a defining chapter of her life this year, she battled a rare, aggressive form of blood cancer and nearly died. She is currently on an extended medical leave of absence from her Master's in Public Policy at Harvard University, where she exhibited remarkable resilience by continuing classes while receiving chemotherapy and attending lectures with her portable infusion pump during the first year of her graduate program. Today, she’s in remission and tumor-free. Grateful for her second chance at life, Leslie is determined to finish her memoir while continuing to advocate for fellow BIPOC cancer survivors like her.
As the proud daughter of refugees, Leslie explores the liminal spaces between borders and belonging. She holds a Bachelor's in International Relations from Stanford University, and her career as a foreign correspondent covering displacement, statelessness, and contested homelands has informed her storytelling. These experiences have earned her prestigious residencies, fellowships, and scholarships from institutions like Stanford University, Harvard University, the American Mandarin Society, the Asian American Journalist Association, Tin House, VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation), Kundiman, Catapult, Boston Writers of Color, GrubStreet, Boston Writers' Room, Hugo House, and more. Most recently, after completing chemotherapy, she served as a writer-in-residence at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada.
Fluent in Mandarin, Leslie is also an active member of the Black China Caucus and the National Association for Black Engagement with Asia. Previously, she worked as a technology reporter in Silicon Valley and a foreign correspondent in Asia. Special assignments included getting a knife massage in Taiwan, interviewing persecuted pop stars in Vietnam, and going under the needle for a traditional magic tattoo in Cambodia. In her spare time, Leslie finds joy in performing improv and stand-up comedy, tackling full marathons and Spartan races, embarking on multi-day mountain treks, and coaching workouts as a volunteer fitness instructor.
Since then, she has perfected the art of writing in the third person.
Social: Twitter | LinkedIn
