CAPAL Intern Spotlight Bichnga Do ’16

Jul 23, 2016 0 Comment Post By:CAPAL.org
This spotlight features Nga Do, an Orange County, CA native who recently graduated from the University of Southern California. She is currently interning with the National Credit Union Administration, and hopes to attend law school in the future.
What was the moment in your life when you realized you wanted to explore public service?
I think that this realization developed over time. When I was an undergraduate, I sought out work that satisfied me—intellectually, professionally, and personally. I just never wanted to waste my time on an internship or job that wasn’t fulfilling in some way. I find this satisfaction when I work as an advocate for others, especially those in underprivileged and underrepresented communities, so I’m hoping to keep exploring this interest.
What are your main responsibilities at your position?
I am currently working within the Examination and Insurance Office of the National Credit Union Administration. The E&I office is responsible for the NCUA’s supervision programs. I support the deputy director and E&I staff on various projects, such as constructing a case file on the increase of cybersecurity breaches or submitting comments on drafts of bills that may significantly influence the NCUA’s operations.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by my colleagues and my mentors. I’ve been fortunate enough over the years to meet and develop relationships with individuals who have never hesitated to provide sound advice and support whenever I need it. When I meet people who are passionate and excited about their work, even if their goals are completely different from my own, I’m inspired to be productive myself.
What is something that most people would not know about you?
I was in color guard in high school and in college. I prefer spinning rifles to flags, and I wish I started color guard sooner and had the opportunity to train on sabers. I actually really miss performing—especially at USC’s football games. We would have 14 hour game days sometimes, but there’s nothing quite like performing on a football field in front of thousands of people.
When you get off work, what do you do? What are your weekend activities?
After I get off work, I usually just cook, eat, and study for the LSAT. Sometimes, you can find me watching House of Cards with a horrified expression on my face. I try to explore as much of DC on the weekends as possible, either with other CAPAL interns or my friends from around the area.
Bichnga, or Nga, is a recent graduate of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Law and Society. Nga is originally from Orange County, California and has lived in Southern California for a majority of her life. Prior to her internship with the National Credit Union Administration, she worked on California Attorney General Kamala Harris’s campaign for U.S. Senate, with Senator Barbara Boxer’s LA Office, and with the Los Angeles Superior Court. She is interested in judicial policymaking and administration, Asian American issues, and mental health law. In particular, she is interested in the intersection between race and mental health, and the mental health dimensions of discrimination and social violence. She is passionate about protecting and advancing the rights of people living with mental disabilities and illnesses, and hopes to work as an advocate for the mentally ill in the future. When Nga is not busy with school or work, she enjoys ballroom dancing, hiking, and creative writing.

Meet all of our CAPAL Scholars & Interns here.

Posted by Felicia Wong

Felicia Wong is currently a senior at the College of William and Mary, double majoring in Neuroscience and Asian American Studies, and minoring in Biochemistry. She is president of the Filipino American Student Association, and current non-academic projects include creating films calling for diversity curriculums/requirements and establishing an official APIA Studies program. Felicia was also elected president of Global Medical Brigades to lead a sustainable healthcare program in rural communities in Nicaragua. She hopes to connect her interests in healthcare with the community she has found in her cultural background. Having lived in Germany for most of her childhood, Felicia makes yearly trips back to visit her family, providing opportunities for her to indulge in her greatest joys: touring castles, eating at cafés, taking fashion cues from strangers, cooking with her family. Non-country specific pleasures include: biking, watching live music performances, screaming because Game of Thrones.