Front & Female 2025: Innovation Award nominations announced

Beyond her professional role, she has launched a number of creative initiatives, including Sudo Code, a free mentorship programme for young people, especially women, offering practical skills, career orientation and a foundation in technological thinking. The programme has served as a launchpad for many, providing a path into the tech industry and the chance to grow in a professional environment.

From her first steps to her ongoing mission of sharing knowledge and fostering growth, Ngoc Vo remains committed to encouraging women to enter the tech space, confront outdated stereotypes, forge connections and shine through passion and skill.

Though not from a traditional tech background, Lea Truc holds a degree in design management and previously lectured in marketing and fashion design in Boston. Nevertheless, she made a deliberate pivot into IT, driven by a clear ambition to reshape gender perceptions in the world of technology. For her, learning to code was never about becoming a top programmer, but about making a statement: that technology belongs to no one group, and women are just as capable of mastering it.

While teaching in Boston, she attended numerous tech conferences at prestigious institutions including MIT and Harvard. These experiences opened her eyes to the boundless potential of the tech industry. Motivated to shift the narrative around women in tech, she began studying programming not to specialise, but to advocate for change.

In 2018, she founded Women Meet Tech, Vietnam’s first comprehensive STEM training programme for women. Backed by the US Consulate and supported by Google Women Techmakers, the programme marked a turning point: it was the first time Vietnam featured on the global map of Women Techmakers. From 2019 to 2021, she was also recognised with the Federal Award from the US government, celebrating her tangible efforts in championing gender equality in technology and digital education.

In addition, Lea was invited by Google Australia and New Zealand to take part in the Generation Google Scholarship Programme 2022 Asia Pacific, where she served as an expert trainer for over 40,000 candidates from across the globe. She also became an advisor to several technology initiatives, including Google Developers’ Women Developer Academy.

Beyond her collaborative projects in the tech world, Lea Truc also launched a personal initiative: AI Family Learn, an AI Academy for parents. The platform aims to equip parents with practical, accessible knowledge of artificial intelligence. From grasping the basics of AI to developing skills that help safeguard children from risks such as data breaches or harmful digital content, the programme offers valuable guidance. AI Family Learn also includes courses designed to support parents in navigating future career paths amid rapid technological change.

Lea Truc’s vision and unwavering dedication are helping shape the future of technology, particularly by empowering women and parents to thrive in the digital age.

Architect Tran Thi Ngu Ngon is the co-founder of Tropical Space, one of Vietnam’s leading architectural studios, recognised for its minimalist design ethos and emphasis on natural ventilation and lighting to meet the demands of tropical climates. She places particular importance on the use of raw materials such as terracotta bricks, valued for their environmental benefits, durability, affordability and long-term safety.

With more than 13 years of professional experience, Architect Ngu Ngon has crafted a series of distinctive works, where contemporary design subtly intertwines with local culture. Among her notable projects are Termitary House, Wasp House, Terra Cotta Studio, LT House, Chicken’s House and Long An House. Each exemplifies the harmony between tradition and sustainable development, and reflects an architectural style rich in modern Vietnamese identity.

In 2025, Architect Tran Thi Ngu Ngon was named one of just seven women globally to receive the DIVIA (Diversity in Architecture) Award, a prestigious honour recognising exceptional contributions by women to the field of architecture. Her achievement not only celebrates her personal talent, but also elevates Vietnamese architecture on the global stage, affirming that local values can indeed inspire worldwide.

The women nominated this year are not simply innovating. They are reshaping perceptions and redefining women’s roles in spaces long confined by outdated stereotypes. The Innovation Award at Front & Female 2025 is not just a celebration of pioneering spirit, but a powerful reflection of the progress now unfolding.

We continue to follow and amplify the journeys of women who are redefining the rules with insight, resolve and an unwavering drive for innovation. Join Tatler Vietnam in anticipation of the Front & Female Awards Ceremony on 22 August.

About Front & Female 2025 Awards 

Launched in March, Front & Female is an awards initiative that honours and recognises women who are driving positive change and promoting women’s advancement. By spotlighting extraordinary initiatives and achievements across a wide spectrum of sectors, Front & Female celebrates the influential voices of trailblazing women, while sparking dialogue and inspiring broader communities.

NOW READ

This Chinese billionaire started with HK$20k, now she’s among the world’s richest women

Yen Nguyen, CEO GA+: “Women can create a different and bold perspective in design”

Meet Nguyen Hong Minh, education expert on a mission to take Vietnamese students to Microsoft’s global AI stage