NGEC Fellow [MN]: Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women

Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women in Minnesota (AAHWM) was formed in 1981 as the first non- profit organization operated by Hmong women, to serve Hmong women in the United States. 

The agency was established to address the evolving needs of Hmong women and their families. Today, AAHWM helps women and girls from Minnesota’s 60, 000 Hmong to gain knowledge and skills to help them succeed and plan for their future and their future for their families. AAHWM also provides programs that help Hmong women and girls stay connected with their unique cultural heritage.

The Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women in Minnesota was one of the first organizations I ever ran into when I started doing work with the Minnesota non-profit community and work on Southeast Asian refugee resettlement back in 1996. Ly Vang was the executive director back then and she continues to serve there.

The current staff members who are part of the NGEC team are:

Ly Vang, who has served as the Executice Director of AAHWM since September 1988. Her role is the overall managing of the agency and staff, the agency budget, fund-raising, and developing programs and services for the community. Ly has thirty years of experience as a professional interpreter, health interpreter, CNA, long term home health care. She completed a degree in Public Administration and Management from the University of Minnesota, a degree in Family Mediation at the University of Hamline, and a Mini MBA for Nonprofit Organizational Management from the University of St. Thomas.

Douachee Lisa Ly Vang has served as the Youth Program Coordinator of AAHWM since 1997. She works with youth in programs such as Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Leadership Skills, and Culture Education through Performing Arts. She has a degree in Psychology and Social Work from the College of St. Catherine.

May Her has served as Board of Director of AAHWM since July 2003. She received a degree in Administration and Social Work from St. Paul Technical College. She has been actively involved with community and has ten years experience as a Board of Director for local organizations.