Hanni Pham

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, The Cardinal will feature prominent and historical Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders, living or dead, who have worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

Kimberly Nguyen, Staff Writer

May 15, 2026

Hanni Pham, a member of the K-pop group NewJeans, is an emerging cultural artist who represented a new wave of global influence in music and identity. Born in Australia to Vietnamese parents, Hanni has helped redefine what it means to be an international artist in the K-pop industry, breaking traditional expectations about nationality and background.

Since debuting in 2022, Hanni has contributed to NewJeans’ fresh, innovative sound and style, helping the group stand out in a highly competitive industry. Their music blends different cultures and influences, making it more relatable to a global audience. Beyond music, Hanni’s presence challenges stereotypes and increases representation for Southeast Asians in mainstream media, an area where visibility has historically been limited.

Through her success, Hanni inspires young people, especially those from multicultural backgrounds, to embrace their identities and pursue their goals. While she may not be a traditional inventor or activist, her influence as a creator and role model is helping shape a more inclusive and connected world.

About the Contributor

Kimberly Nguyen, Staff Writer

Kimberly Nguyen is a senior at Hoover High School in the AHHC Academy. She is the youngest in her family and has an older sister who has played an important role in her life. Kim likes to be academically involved at school, especially through extracurricular activities and leadership roles. She values education and takes pride in being active beyond the classroom. She currently serves as the president of the First Gen Club and the APAC Club. Kim is also the former treasurer of Key Club and now holds the position of secretary. In addition, she is the treasurer of a newly established club called Educators Rising. Alongside her leadership roles, Kim participates in several academic programs and has done Cross Country for two years. In her free time, Kim enjoys watching YouTube and doom-scrolling on Tiktok. She also enjoys listening to music as she has a wide range of taste in music and loves to be with her friends since they match her humor and energy. Kim is also not a picky eater because she can eat anything and is open to trying a wide range of different foods. One of her favorite shows is Avatar: The Last Airbender, a series that has deeply inspired her and influenced how she views herself and the world. One of her favorite quotes from the show is, “Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving… you will come to a better place.” – Uncle Iroh. This quote resonates with Kim because it encourages her to stay resilient during difficult times by reassuring her that progress, even without clear direction, can bring improvement and relief. It reminds her that hardship is temporary and that patience and perseverance can lead to brighter opportunities ahead. After graduating high school, Kim plans to attend a four-year university in San Diego, where she hopes to major in business. Her dream in life is to become financially successful through her own hard work and to be able to travel all over the world. Kim believes that true success comes from effort and staying true to herself, while building the life she envisions.