May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities. Meet Megan Hinman who works within the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission's (SFPUC) Water Enterprise.
At nine years old, Megan packed a small bag in the middle of the night and left her hometown of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. She was traveling with her parents and simply following their instructions. She had no idea that the journey would include a two-year stay at a refugee camp in Malaysia. Nor could she have imagined that her family would eventually settle in the Bay Area and make it their home. As a child, she could never have predicted that she would earn a degree in biochemistry and build a successful career working in laboratory sciences.
For all this and more, Megan remains deeply grateful. As the manager of the Water Quality Division Laboratory in Millbrae, she oversees a team of 22 technicians, biologists, and chemists. They process the daily water samples collected by the Water Quality field services staff and analyze samples for the SFPUC's water systems and its wholesale customers. Through their diligent work, the team ensures that the agency's high‑quality water consistently meets and exceeds all state and federal standards.
Making an Impact and Forging Cultural Connections
Megan and her extended family stay connected to their heritage by enjoying traditional Vietnamese foods and celebrating Tết, the Lunar New Year. She also gives back to her homeland. “I am lucky that my parents were able to immigrate and gave my siblings and me a home and a solid education,” said Megan. “I want to share our good fortune with others in Vietnam.”
Not long ago, Megan learned about Children of Vietnam (COV), a nonprofit that supports Vietnamese children and mothers in rural areas. The organization works to break the cycle of poverty through programs focused on education, nutrition, women’s empowerment, clean water and sanitation, and disability services. Drawn to COV’s grassroots mission, Megan began fundraising for the organization. She and her husband Brian also decided to sponsor students so they can attend college and graduate debt-free. For the last five years, she has traveled to Vietnam every March to meet with COV staff and the families they serve.
Megan is especially passionate about uplifting single mothers. “On my last visit, I met a bright young woman who was determined not to let her circumstances dictate her future,” she recalled. “She shared the challenges she faced, but she also spoke about her moments of happiness including opening her own embroidery shop. It reaffirmed for me that while life can be hard, it can also be joyful.”
Giving back has become a family effort. Megan’s nephew Jacob has joined her on several trips and volunteered at a local high school, where he spoke with students about growing up as a teenager in California.
“I wanted him to understand how people live, outside of the tourist areas of Vietnam,” Megan said. “This country is a part of him as much as the United States.”