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Hoang Murphy
Hoang Murphy
01:05

Hoang Murphy

People Serving People

St. Paul, MN USA

"Don’t look for roles. Look for who you can help and what skills you can grow in, and pursue that."

Career Roadmap

Hoang's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Politics, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

CEO

I ensure families facing adversity receive compassionate support to rebuild and thrive.

03:16

Day In The Life Of A CEO Of A Homeless Shelter

My Day to Day

I ensure that those dealt a tough hand get their best chance. Our mission transcends immediate aid, aiming for systemic change to end family homelessness. Each day varies, from leadership meetings to advocating for policy changes, ensuring our approach is trauma-responsive, not just informed. I prioritize maintaining family unity in our shelter, challenging the norm that families in crisis must fragment to receive help.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Policy Studies

    Syracuse University

  • Graduate Degree

    Education

    Johns Hopkins University

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    I grew up in the foster care system, which was challenging but also taught me to build my own contacts and create opportunities for myself.

  • 2.

    I started my career taking on a variety of roles, including working on a factory line, doing field work, and washing farm equipment, which taught me that no job is too small.

  • 3.

    I earned my bachelor’s degree in public policy and a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching.

  • 4.

    I gained experience in both policy and education through roles as a legislative intern, field organizer, secondary English teacher, and policy fellow.

  • 5.

    When I moved back to Minnesota, I noticed the same challenges I experienced in the foster care system were still present—so I founded a nonprofit to try and help.

  • 6.

    I ran that nonprofit, Foster Advocates, for over five years, working to improve child welfare in Minnesota before transitioning to work for People Serving People.

  • 7.

    I currently work as the CEO of People Serving People, the largest and most comprehensive homeless shelter in Minnesota.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • Growing up in the foster system was challenging. A lot of people rely on family and social systems, but I didn't have that. I learned to not be boxed in and to build my own contacts.