Movement Spotlight: Mick Nguyen
Operation Broken Silence is a small nonprofit dedicated to Sudanese communities, cultivating resilience and driving meaningful change through crowdfunded programs. Everything we do, from supporting Sudanese teachers in underfunded classrooms or frontline healthcare in refugee camps, is made possible by people who give monthly, fundraise, and donate to Sudanese heroes. Today, we’d like to introduce you to one of these special supporters.
Meet Mick Nguyen
When Mick moved from Orange County to Sacramento for a mission with the Air National Guard, he quickly found himself immersed in a city known for its nonprofit energy and civic engagement. “It’s fun living in Midtown,” he says. “The headquarters of so many nonprofits are here on the grid and the Capital is within walking distance. It’s a great place if you’re into volunteering and being politically active.”
It didn’t take long for Mick’s interest in global issues to grow into direct action. While completing his capstone project, he turned to Google with a simple but profound question: What is the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world today? The answer led him to Sudan—and ultimately to us.
“Being in the intelligence field, I deal a lot in geopolitics,” Mick explains. “So I took to researching Sudan easily. OBS’s explainer content was a valuable source I cited for my StoryMap. By the end of the semester, I felt the need to take real action on the issue instead of just retaining all this knowledge.”
That desire to act sparked his involvement in Miles for Sudan, our global event for runners, walkers, and cyclists raising awareness and funds for the Sudanese people. For Mick, it was a natural extension of something he already loved.
“Running in the form of 5Ks and run clubs is already associated with fundraisers and the like,” he says. “This felt like a natural outlet to raise awareness on a social issue. Whether via my Strava posts or word of mouth, I have been the first introduction for most people to this crisis.”
When donors give to his campaign, Mick thanks them in a way that perfectly reflects his personality—by sending them a Tiny Desk Concert where Kehlani shouts, “Free Sudan!” It’s unexpected, heartfelt, and a great conversation starter.
His journey with Miles for Sudan has already led to major personal milestones. “I wouldn’t have completed my first ever 10K Spartan Race had it not been for Miles For Sudan,” he says. “Running for health is one thing, but running in service of a meaningful cause has been the ultimate motivator. Half-marathons and marathons are on the horizon!” And Mick has now raised nearly $3,000 for our Sudanese partners through his fundraising page!
His encouragement for anyone thinking about jumping in? He keeps it simple: “What Nike says.” Mick’s story is a reminder that when we combine what we love with what matters, real change becomes possible. Whether you're running, fundraising, or simply sharing Sudan’s story, our friends in Sudan need whatever help you can provide.
Get Involved
Ready to make your miles count toward aid to Sudan? This summer is the perfect time to sign up for free and get moving! All you have to do is share a link to your fundraising page every time you run, walk, or bike.
Can’t participate? Make a donation or set up a small monthly gift instead:
$1,000 - Fully funds one classroom at Endure Primary School in Yida Refugee Camp for half a semester.
$500 - Delivers food to Darfuri genocide survivors who have fled to South Sudan.
$250 - Provides a daily breakfast to 10 children for an entire month in Adré refugee camp, where many Darfuri genocide survivors now live.
$100 - Supports the monthly work of a sexual assault counselor and food relief in the El Fasher/Zamzam area in North Darfur, Sudan.
$50 - Helps bring school supplies to students in Yida Refugee Camp.
Checks can be made payable to Operation Broken Silence and mailed to PO Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900. You can also donate stock or crypto.
Operation Broken Silence a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Our EIN is 80-0671198.
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Everything we do —whether it’s supporting frontline healthcare in refugee camps or Sudanese supporting teachers in underfunded classrooms— is made possible by people who choose to stand with the Sudanese. https://operationbrokensilence.org/blog/movement-spotlight-mick-nguyen
“I took to researching Sudan easily. OBS’s explainer content was a valuable source I cited for my StoryMap. By the end of the semester, I felt the need to take real action on the issue instead of just retaining all this knowledge.” https://operationbrokensilence.org/blog/movement-spotlight-mick-nguyen
Meet OBS supporter Mick Nguyen, who has raised nearly $3,000 for Sudanese heroes through our global event Miles For Sudan. https://operationbrokensilence.org/blog/movement-spotlight-mick-nguyen
Operation Broken Silence is dedicated to Sudanese communities, cultivating resilience and driving meaningful change through crowdfunded programs. Will you join us? https://operationbrokensilence.org/blog/movement-spotlight-mick-nguyen
