AMANDA PHANIVONG

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Amanda was named one of the Timothy P. O’Shaughnessy Lifelong Learning Scholarship recipients.

She is the daughter of Ana and Alex Phanivong, with a younger sister, Alina.

Amanda is an alumna of Wichita State University, earning a Bachelor of General Studies, concentrating in business marketing, communication, and philosophy with a minor emphasis in women’s studies. She began her studies in the fall of 2020, close to home at WSU, and graduated a year early in the summer of 2023.

Her interests in communication and marketing stemmed from her passion for philanthropy, as well as her personal interests in classic literature, writing, and foreign languages. While at Wichita State, Amanda immersed herself in numerous extracurricular activities that fostered leadership and cultural awareness, including the Asian Student Conference, Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Midwest Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Students Union.

Amanda was a graduate of the inaugural class of Widener Global Leaders, a program that integrates business, communication, and fine arts to empower women in their personal, professional, and cultural development. “As I reflect on the word ‘leadership’ and what it means to be a leader, I am instantly reminded of the incredible role models who have helped shape the person I am and will continue to develop into. This program taught me that leadership is intertwined with taking risks, expressing gratitude, and choosing to see the world through an inquisitive lens.”

She also served as a No Kid Hungry youth ambassador as part of the national No Kid Hungry campaign run by Share Our Strength, which aims to end childhood hunger in the U.S. “Since the campaign began, over 1 billion meals have been provided to kids in need. Words cannot begin to express how humbling and fulfilling this opportunity was. Serving as an ambassador remains one of my proudest accomplishments and taught me that kindness goes full circle.” She was featured on the No Kid Hungry website for AAPI Heritage Month. Click here to read her feature story.

Amanda looks forward to continuing to embrace new opportunities while reflecting often on the values that Timothy himself emulated. Timothy’s remarkable leadership ability left a lasting impression on her. “For Timothy, leadership was visible whether he was at work or at home with his family. He was a leader in the way he thought and perceived the world,” she said.

Inspired by her upbringing in the air capital of the world and her love of connecting with people from all walks of life, Amanda now works as a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines. Guided by her passion for hospitality and creating meaningful experiences, Amanda draws on her background in leadership and service to bring kindness, care, and professionalism to every traveler. “As an avid explorer, having the opportunity to see the world and share those experiences with my family is a dream come true. I truly hope to carry forward the values Timothy embodied, including compassion, curiosity, and thoughtful leadership, while building meaningful connections and immersing myself in the beauty of different cultures.”

As an inaugural scholar, Amanda hopes to represent the foundation by encouraging others to follow their own path, wherever it may lead them.