Starting her career at 18 as a server, Leslie Nguyen, an Aliso Viejo High grad, has since gone on to open eateries of note, including co-founding Bosscat Kitchen & Libations (with locations in Orange and Irvine, and two in Texas) and Miss Mini Donuts. Under her umbrella company, Daily Dose Hospitality, which she launched with John Reed, the restaurateur has also opened Ten Sushi and Byblos Cafe. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li>
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As a second-generation business owner of the Advanced Beauty College in Little Saigon, Tam T. Nguyen helped get Cal State Fullerton demographic experts to complete one of the first economic and demographic studies of the Vietnamese American enclave in Orange County, information that will help when approaching government agencies, nonprofits or corporations to invest in Little Saigon. He also helped lead community efforts to mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, which spurred the enclave’s creation. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li>
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Tuan Andrew Nguyen is a multi-disciplinary artist whose films and sculptural works interrogate the lasting effects of violence, displacement and colonialism. This year he was one of six artists and 22 total recipients to be named a MacArthur Fellow. Nguyen is also a UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts alum and the third Anteater to nab the prestigious award. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li>
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Viet Nguyen, chef-founder of Kei Concepts, moved from Vietnam to the U.S. at 16, originally intending to study IT and finance. Luckily for palates, he made a detour in the culinary world, opening Sup Noodle Bar in 2014 in Buena Park. This marked the creation of Kei Concepts, which now has eight restaurants under its name, including the newly opened Qua in Fountain Valley. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li>
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Will O’Neill, the former Newport Beach mayor, solidly won election to lead the Orange County Republican Party this year — and he takes the helm with a goal of winning trust with voters across the county. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li>