April 15, 2025
Elizabeth Hien ’25, college’s first Black studies major, discovers a passion for advocacy, social justice
By Martha Young
When Providence College introduced a major in Black studies in 2023, Elizabeth Hien ’25 was among the first students to choose it. She will carry the distinction of being the program’s first graduate when she crosses the stage at commencement on May 18, 2025.
Her studies — which include courses for her second major, sociology — explored racial and social inequalities, allowing her to blend her passions for law, social justice, and advocacy. She plans to study public interest law at a college in New England and aspires to become a college professor one day.
For Hien, “Friar family” has a literal meaning. She grew up in Lincoln, Rhode Island, with a deep connection to PC. Her parents, Patti (Brown) Hien ’87 and the late Randy Hien ’72, instilled a keen sense of pride for the college that shaped their lives. Hien arrived at PC eager to immerse herself in academics. As a commuter, she was determined to engage fully in campus life.
“I knew that my involvement would keep me connected to campus and help me to make friends,” she said.
Hien joined PC’s Mock Trial organization in her first year and became president when she was a junior. Mock Trial was an honorary nominee for Outstanding Student Organization in 2024-2025 by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership. Hien also served as editor of the Veritas yearbook throughout her four years and as president of the Pre-Law Society as a senior.
She also became an admission ambassador, a role she cherishes.
“I enjoy the one-on-one connections, especially during First Days in Friartown,” she said. “It’s amazing to see students I helped welcome choosing PC and thriving here.”
Hien’s passion for advocacy has been reinforced by experiences outside the classroom. She spent two summers interning in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, working in the narcotics unit under prosecutor Lynda Barr ’91, who welcomed the opportunity to support a fellow Friar. The experience deepened her interest in law, particularly in public interest law and social justice.
The summer after her first year, she interned with the Rhode Island Human Rights Commission as an investigative intern, gaining experience in civil rights work. But it was her role as a PC Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow at Amos House, a nonprofit in Providence serving the homeless, unemployed, and those living in poverty, that influenced her career trajectory.
The fellowship was offered through PC’s Donald Ryan Incubator for Entrepreneurship in the Arts and Sciences. Hien was nominated by Eve Veliz-Moran, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology and department chair. Hien worked with the coordinator of the prisoner reentry program to help facilitate a 90-day substance abuse recovery program. She was able to witness the impact of social services on marginalized communities.
“Seeing the multitude of services Amos House provides was eye-opening,” Hien said. “It made me realize how much I want to be part of this kind of work.”
Hien is grateful to Veliz-Moran for her guidance and mentorship and to Eric Hirsch, Ph.D, professor of sociology, for helping her to understand and process the enormity of what she experienced while working at Amos House.
Initially, Elizabeth planned to attend law school immediately after graduation. After her internship, she considered working at Amos House during a gap year before law school.
“It hit me that I could be really happy working there,” she said.
She remembers choosing sociology as a major in her early days of college without really knowing what sociology was. As she looks back, she realizes how much it aligned with her interests.
“PC has given me so much — an education, a community, and the chance to find my passion,” Hien said. “I hope to use what I’ve learned here to advocate for others and to make a difference.”
