Linh Pham (’10) Wins Harvard & iF Design Gold

At Saigon South International School (SSIS), we often talk about learning as a lifelong journey. We are proud to celebrate Linh Pham, an alumna of the SSIS Class of 2010, whose team recently won Harvard Business School’s New Venture Competition, one of Harvard’s most selective innovation contests. Their startup, Lexi, was named the Sacerdote Grand Prize Winner in the Social Enterprise Track for 2025.

Linh’s remarkable achievement is a moment of celebration, but even more inspiring is the journey behind it — a path shaped by resilience, community, and the quiet bravery to pursue something meaningful, even when the way forward is uncertain. Her story reflects the spirit of lifelong learning we hope to nurture in every SSIS student, wherever their journey may lead.

From a Class Project to a Mission for Change

Linh's startup, Lexi, began as a class project in Harvard’s Master in Design Engineering (MDE) program. Her team, made up of international and immigrant students, explored challenges faced by older immigrants in the United States and quickly identified healthcare communication as a critical issue.

“We realized that for millions of individuals in the US, simply not speaking English well can lead to longer hospital stays, higher costs, and dangerous medical errors,” Linh explained.

While Lexi uses advances in AI and language models to deliver responsive, accessible language support in clinical settings, Linh emphasized that the heart of the project is not the technology itself — it is the mission to make medical communication more equitable. “For us, creating Lexi was not about chasing the latest technology,” she shared. “It was about building the right tools for a real, systemic, and unmet need at the right time.”

That thoughtful approach to impact-driven design has earned Lexi international recognition. In addition to winning the Harvard New Venture Competition, the startup was recently awarded the iF Design Gold Award, one of the most prestigious global design prizes. Out of nearly 11,000 submissions in 2025, only 75 were awarded Gold, with Lexi recognized alongside names like Apple, Ferrari, and IBM.

Rather than chase trends, Linh and her team stayed focused on a real-world problem they had witnessed in their own communities. Lexi was born out of lived experience — a commitment to ensuring that no one is excluded from care because of the language they speak.

The Power of Authenticity

Competing in the New Venture Competition required more than just pitching a startup. It meant distilling months of research, clinical testing, and personal passion into a 10-minute story. One of the biggest challenges the team faced was balancing its mission of social impact with the need to demonstrate business viability.

“What helped us,” Linh shared, “was that Lexi wasn’t just a technical project for us. Every member of our team had lived experiences with language barriers. That authenticity resonated.”

It was not the technical sophistication alone that set Lexi apart, but the authenticity behind it — the firsthand experiences, the shared mission, and the belief that real change begins by listening to real needs.

Standing on the Harvard stage was a surreal moment for Linh. Nearly two years earlier, she had sat in the same auditorium with her mother, watching other finalists in awe. “I never imagined I’d be on that same stage one day, sharing the vision for something I care deeply about,” she reflected. “It feels like a full-circle moment.”

Foundations for Growth and Purpose

When asked to reflect on the early experiences that shaped her journey, Linh spoke fondly of the balance of freedom and structure she found at SSIS. Being able to choose courses she genuinely cared about, like art, planted early seeds for a future in creative technology and entrepreneurship.

Extracurricular activities — from charity drives to student-led initiatives — encouraged her to think about impact beyond the classroom. “These early experiences helped me explore the idea of contributing to the community outside of a school setting,” she said.

She especially remembers Ms. Jones, her English teacher, whose patience and belief made a lasting difference. Arriving at SSIS with limited English skills, Linh found herself grappling not just with grammar but with confidence. “Through the struggle to master English (a journey I’m still on!), I realized how language can empower or limit someone’s sense of self,” Linh shared.

One memory stands out clearly: a debate class she had dreaded all semester. Standing up to speak was terrifying, but it also sparked something more profound — the realization that fear often gives way to growth. “Looking back, it reminds me how much high school, and great teachers who believe in you, can change the trajectory of your life.”

Advice for Current Students: Trust the Journey

For current SSIS students dreaming of solving real-world problems, Linh offers simple but powerful advice: “Ask questions. Listen. Make things. Learning through doing is so much more effective than waiting to feel ready.”

She encourages students to recognize their privileges and to use them thoughtfully. “There are countless problems out there. Pick one that matters deeply to you and stay close to why you care. It’s important not just to tell the world your story, but to understand and believe in it yourself.”

Her reflections also carry a valuable reminder about success: it’s not about reaching a finish line. “Today, I see success as being content and confident in small wins, not just chasing the big ones. Success isn’t a destination — it’s the ongoing journey toward something meaningful.”

Carrying the Spirit of SSIS Forward

Linh’s story — of taking risks, learning through challenges, and staying anchored in purpose — is a beautiful example of the journey we hope for every SSIS student. It’s a reminder that the seeds planted here, through friendships, projects, setbacks, and encouragement, continue to grow long after students leave our campus.

We proudly celebrate Linh’s success, but we’re even more proud of the compassionate, courageous spirit she carries forward into the world.

At SSIS, we believe that every student’s journey matters and that wherever life leads them, the lessons of curiosity, creativity, and community will always be a source of strength.