When you see Brian “bri” Nguyen (they/he) in action, it’s often through a camera lens or behind the scenes of a story. As the Communications Specialist for the School District of Lancaster, no two days look the same. One morning might start with emails and planning. By the afternoon, Bri might be running from school to school, capturing photos, interviewing staff, or filming students sharing their achievements. Other days are filled with writing, editing, designing, and finding creative ways to connect families and the community with the heart of the district.
“Every day is different, and that’s what I love,” Bri shared. “I get to meet people, listen to their stories, and amplify the work that often goes unnoticed. But at the heart of it all, my job is to remind people of their why. Why we show up for students. Why education matters. Why the work of our staff deserves to be celebrated.”
A storyteller and cheerleader
Though only in the district for two years, Bri has already left their mark. Under their leadership, SDoL’s social media has become more than a source of information. It is a window into the classrooms and relationships that shape our schools. Families now see not just announcements, but the creativity of students, the impact of staff, and the everyday joy of learning.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is showing people that we’re human,” Bri said. “That SDoL is not just buildings and policies, but real people who care. Communication is about transparency. It is a bridge between our schools and our community. I want people to see the love, the dedication, and the creativity happening here every day
Storytelling and people are at the center of Bri’s role. They see their job not only as a way to share information, but as a way to reflect back what makes this district special. “My favorite part of this work is the people and the stories behind them,” they explained. “I get to celebrate the moments that staff don’t always stop to notice because they’re so focused on giving their best to students. I get to say, look at what you’ve done. Look at the difference you’re making. You did this. That’s what excites me, being a cheerleader for our staff, our students, and our families.”
For Bri, what makes SDoL unique is the scale and depth of its impact. “People don’t always realize how much the district touches Lancaster as a whole,” they reflected. “The number of alumni, the programs, the services, it’s staggering. SDoL is a part of the city’s fabric.”
Rooted in community
Bri grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Their family immigrated from Vietnam during the war, and as a first-generation Vietnamese American, Bri was initially encouraged to pursue medicine. A graduate of Albright College with degrees in Biology and Family Studies, Bri once planned to become a pediatrician. But college opened other doors.
They became the first male-presenting leader of Albright’s Women’s Center and eventually helped rebrand it into the Gender Resource Center. “That process changed everything,” Bri recalled. “I realized how much I loved advocacy, design, and using storytelling as a tool for change. I discovered I didn’t have to be in medicine to make a difference. Communication allowed me to reach people in a different, but just as meaningful, way.”
The journey was not without challenges. Bri came out during college and had to put themself through school. But those experiences only strengthened their commitment to storytelling and connection. “I love sitting with someone, listening to them, and understanding their why,” Bri said. “That’s the core of what I do now.”
Inspired by a grandmother’s Legacy
When asked who inspires them, Bri points to their late bà nội, or grandmother. She immigrated to the United States during the Vietnam War and became the only family member to support Bri after they came out.
“She’s the reason I am who I am today,” Bri shared. “When she passed during the pandemic in Vietnam, I couldn’t even grieve with my family. So I carry her with me in everything I do. Life is short, and she taught me to treat every moment as if it matters. That’s why I hug people. That’s why I say happy Tuesday or Wednesday. If I never see that person again, I want them to remember that we shared something meaningful in that moment.”
Her influence continues to shape Bri’s approach to storytelling and community building at SDoL. “She taught me that stories are legacies, and they need to be honored with care. That’s why I tell stories the way I do. That’s the same energy I bring into communications. I want every story to honor the person behind it, to make them feel seen.”
Lancaster has become a second home for Bri. Whether through local nonprofits, cultural events, or the arts, they have built a strong presence rooted in service, joy, and creativity. “People joke that I’m everywhere,” Bri said with a smile. “But for me, being everywhere is about showing up. It is about building bridges, making sure people feel welcomed, and creating spaces where difference is celebrated.”
Over the past year, Bri held their first photo gallery in the city, with plans to return for Lunar New Year. They also traveled solo across Vietnam through the prestigious Baldwin Leadership Fellowship through the Lancaster County Community Foundation.
“That trip was life-changing,” Bri said. “Navigating Vietnam alone, speaking the language, connecting with people, it deepened my understanding of who I am and the legacy I carry. It also reminded me why I want to create spaces where others feel like they belong.”
Every moment matters
For Bri, what makes SDoL unique is the scale and depth of its impact. “People don’t always realize how much the district touches Lancaster as a whole,” they reflected. “The number of alumni, the programs, the services, it’s staggering. SDoL is a part of the city’s fabric.”
Bri has long been active in Lancaster through local nonprofits, community initiatives, and the arts. But working within the district has given them an even deeper appreciation and an honor. “Every day, families come through our doors carrying their own stories, challenges, and histories,” they said. “And our staff continue to show up, again and again, often without recognition, to meet them where they are. That level of care is powerful, and I love being able to help shine a light on it.” Among the many moments they have captured in the district, two stand out most: their first all-staff gathering and their first McCaskey graduation.
“All-staff was powerful because it was my first chance to see everyone together, united around a common purpose,” Bri said. “And graduation. It is hard to describe what that feels like. Standing on the field, watching students’ faces as they realize what they have accomplished, hearing families cheer, seeing staff beam with pride. It puts everything into perspective. That is why we are here. That is what reminds me why I do this work.”
Looking forward with heart
As Bri looks ahead, their focus remains on storytelling that uplifts and connects. “Communication is not just about news or updates,” they said. “It is about showing people that they matter. That their stories have value. That together, we create something bigger than ourselves.”
Bri hopes their work continues to remind staff, students, and families that they are seen, that they belong, and that even a small moment can leave a lasting impact.
“If we can make a difference in at least one person’s life, even if it is just through a smile, that is enough. Communication is about building those bridges, reminding people they matter, and helping us all feel a little more connected.”