Mia Nguyen Mia Lio Nguygen, aka “Mimi,” is an Intern in the Research & Evaluation Department of Liliʻuokalani Trust. The internship is ideal for Mia — as she completes a dual program to receive both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in economics from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is a graduate of Kealakehe High School on Hawaiʻi island.LT positively impacted Mia’s childhood while growing up on the island. The development programs in which she participated or worked, usually were affiliated with the trust. And some of her fondest memories were at La‘i‘ōpua 2020, which is partially funded by LT. Mia appreciates that the trust allows her to express gratitude and give back to her community. These values inspired her to pursue the internship.A self-proclaimed nerd, Mia is active in Dungeons and Dragons, where she writes new worlds based on community members and lesser-known mythologies. Storytelling is her passion, especially in the “genre of fantasy, where there is a lack of representation of non-western cultures, or there is poor representation.” Innovative, emerging technologies intrigue Mimi. Even better is when “technologies elevate how people experience a culture, especially if they cannot visit the roots of a particular culture.” Mia – a rabbit mom – is grateful to her family who bunny sits while she is away from home, Hawaiʻi Island.