After graduating from high school in Vietnam, Thao came to the U.S. as an international student to attend college. Thao earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in 2010. She has worked for Walgreens pharmacy as a pharmacist since then.

Since 2011, Thao has operated a business that offers multiple social services to the minority communities such as Asian and Hispanic communities. The business offers services and assistance of paperwork related to immigration processes, public benefits and translation and interpretation services. Thao was also the very first Vietnamese registered courtroom interpreter in Oklahoma.

In 2018, Thao was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin to be the board member of Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. She was just re-appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in July 2022 for the 2nd term. She serves as a lay member on the board acting as an advocate for the public interest.

Thao and her husband own a local real estate investment company, offering rental properties, both long term and short term as well as providing jobs to many. It’s their vision and mission to make a positive impact on the community and improve people’s quality of life through real estate investing. Their proud real estate projects include residential assisted living homes and sober living homes. Thao is also a licensed real estate agent with Spearhead Realty Group. She was named the Top 500 OKC Real Producers 2022. Thao also hosts an Asian American Real Estate Investor monthly meetup called Oklahoma city Real Impact Network to help connect, inspire and impact investors in the community.

Annually, Thao volunteers her time and talents in various community events such as Love OKC and Asian Health Fair. She is a humbled and blessed Christian and is in charge of the community outreach programs at the New Vision Community Church. Thao is very proud and honored to be part of the founding board of directors for the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves as the chair of the membership committee.

Thao and her husband, David Nguyen are proud parents of 3 wonderful children, Nathan Thien-Minh Nguyen (11), Hannah Thien-Han Nguyen (8) and Mia Thien-Nhu Nguyen (4). They are also proud parents at Christian Heritage Academy.