| 2009 Community Leaders |
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2009 Community Leadership Awards Hmong National Development’s Community Leadership Awards recognizes the dedication of Hmong community members to further developing their communities. We are pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2009 Community Leadership Awards. All of our recipients will be recognized at the Hmong Leadership Banquet. Please purchase your banquet tickets here.
Pioneer Award: Xia Vue Yang
As a community leader/advocate myself, I do truly understand the vital importance of helping the communities better their lives. I sincerely value immensely those who willingly devote for, generously give and passionately provide invaluable services to the community with a kind heart without expecting anything in return.
Mr. Yang has a long history of advocating for Hmong community development. For decades he has been providing support to help Hmong become self-sufficient and contributing members to their communities. He served four terms as the president of the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association of Sheboygan and two terms as the president of the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations (WUCMAA), of which he is also a founder. He currently serves as the chairman of the Lao, Hmong and American Veterans Memorial. He is also owner of the Hmong Sheboygan Radio and Hmong Union Market. Mr. Yang is a chemical engineer by trade and obtained his degree in 1977 from the French engineering school Institut National des Sciences Appliques in Lyon, France. He worked overseas on drilling platforms in Saudia Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. He helped acquire five U.S water filtration patents.
A junior at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Kong Lor has shown great leadership skills through his position as the Youth Director for Southeast Puavpheej. In this position, Kong is primarily responsible for overseeing the Mr. Hmong Southeast Puavpheej Pageant held during the North Carolina Hmong New Year. He has been coordinating the event since the age of 16 and has developed many new activities to encourage e youth attendance and participation at the New Year. In 2006, Kong became the first out of state Editor for the popular magazine “Hmoobteen”, based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Since then he has contributed to Hmong Artist Magazine, Hmong Is You, and 18Xeem. As the second half to the Kong and Shu Project, he uses his music to inspire and bring hope to his audience.
Teacher of the Year Award: Professor Vincent K. Her
Professor Her currently teaches at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Each and everyday, Professor Her lives out a total commitment to Hmong and Hmong American studies that enriches his work with colleagues, students, and community members. As a teacher, Professor Her demonstrates a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning that colleagues as well as students find impressive. Professor Her’s courses in Hmong American studies and minority cultures of the U.S consistently encourage students to think critically about contemporary issues facing Hmong Americans. He engages students in serious discussions about the social and cultural transformations that people experience during war, displacement, relocation and transnational migration.
Though he is a professor by trade, he is also greatly involved in the Hmong community. He has shared his research on Hmong cultural and traditional funeral rites with Hmong Americans across the country, in hopes of educating and keeping the practices alive. His knowledge of Hmong funeral rituals and rites has earned him the commendation and respect of Hmong elders. He has provided consultation for numerous Hmong funerals throughout the state of Wisconsin. Moreover, he has proven to be a great mentor to his students and other Hmong youth wishing to be more involved in multicultural alliances.
Community Service Award: Sergeant Chue Lee Thao
Sgt. Chue Lee Thao has been with the Appleton Police Department since 1996. Since then he has worked tirelessly to bridge community relations with the Hmong. As a patrol officer, Sgt. Thao was instrumental in the creation of the Hmong Advisory Committee. Over the years he has facilitated numerous meetings between the police department and the Hmong community. He has provided cultural competency training to his colleagues; to provide law enforcement with a better understanding of the Hmong culture. Sgt. Thao currently works as a detective in the Appleton Police Department’s Investigative Services Unit. |
Internships
HND is committed to building the capacity of the next generation of leaders. Through internship opportunities, HND provides students with hands-on experience working in a national non-profit organization. Additionally, interns gain experience working with other local and national organizations and leaders on issues that impact the Hmong. HND offers internships in our DC office throughout the year. Please call us for more information about our internship opportunities at 202.797.9105.