Meet the ZGiRLS Mentor: Tania Nguyen

Olympic weightlifter and CrossFit athlete Tania Nguyen is no stranger to a challenge.

Not only does she compete in two sports that demand strength, speed, endurance, and a heck of a lot of mental toughness—she’s also a first-generation Vietnamese American, a lawyer, and the founder of Active Beauty Selects, an inclusive beauty brand made specifically for female athletes.

Tania shows middle school girls that lasting strength comes from constantly challenging yourself and using setbacks as fuel to work harder.

1. What’s your favorite thing about being an athlete in your sport?

Seeing measurable improvements in strength, athleticism, and mental resilience with consistency over time (e.g., lifting heavier weights, recording faster workout times)!

2. If you could go back in time and give your middle school self advice, what would it be?

I know you feel like a fish out of water but everything that makes you feel different is actually what makes you unique. Your differences are your superpowers! Be kind to yourself and love yourself, exactly as you are <3

3. How do you like to spend your time when you’re not training or competing?

Trying new restaurants all over LA; going on long walks with my rescue dog; going to Dodgers games; reading, writing, and cultivating a meditation practice :)

4. What’s something you love about yourself that has nothing to do with how you look?

My creativity (e.g., design, photography, and writing)!

5. What do you hope ZGiRLS take away from their session with you?

They don’t need to pretend to be anyone other than exactly who they are—the things that make them different are actually their superpowers! By stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and allowing themselves to make mistakes, they can develop the confidence and resilience to access the full range of their talents and potential.