Huy Thai - September 2023

Huy Thai was less than a year old when his parents immigrated to Maine from Vietnam, and he’s lived in Portland his whole life, which might explain why he doesn’t mind the cold. “I absolutely love the four seasons. My unpopular opinion is that I really don’t mind the winters.” He has the same enthusiasm for Maine’s growing diversity, although he admits there are challenges. “I grew up around Portland mostly, so I understood the importance of diversity and different perspectives, understanding stories, walking in other people shoes. Being a young leader and going through that process of learning and growing up with these different people and perspectives was really important to me.” He credits Portland’s public school system and the chance to attend Seeds of Peace for helping him grow, personally. “Education has taught me how extraordinary these perspectives can be for your own learning, because we’re all human at the end of the day, and it’s best that we help our community and we help one another grow.” Currently pursuing a major in geography urban development, Huy hopes to work in city development, preferably right here at home. “I really love Portland, and I believe Maine has a bright future. I’m very excited.”