Yengyee Lor | HmongTown Connections President

 Yengyee Lor serves as President of HmongTown Connections, where she leads with a passion for cultural preservation, community empowerment, and systems change. She is the President and CEO of Faithful Consulting, a leadership and organizational development firm focused on strengthening people and organizations from the inside out. Yengyee is also the Founder and Executive Producer of Uncover More Good on 3HmongTV, a platform that highlights stories of resilience, leadership, and impact. With a background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, she brings deep insight into leadership, strategy, and sustainable transformation. Yengyee also founded the Hmong Civic Leadership Program to train and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

 Bee Vang-Moua is the Director of Hmong Program in the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She teaches courses on: Hmong Language and Identity, Medical Hmong, Hmong Textiles, as well as lead educators and students on immersive summer abroad programs in China, Vietnam, and Thailand. She continues to further work on better understanding and charting the multifaceted identities of Hmong indigeneity in Asia as well as the diaspora abroad. She is passionate about Hmong language and culture reclamation work, equity and inclusion of the diverse Hmong dialects and identities, as well as advancing Hmong language and literacy within the foundations of academia. She has led presentations, learning sessions, and discussions on Hmong language, culture, identity, gender equity, community advancement, and leadership. Bee has also worked on a number of initiatives with local organizations such as Wilder Foundation, MN Historical Society, MN Zej Zog, Hmong Museum, and more. Bee brings in a wealth of knowledge spanning communities, generations, and experiences. 

Yao Yaj is a highly accomplished executive leader with deep expertise in economic development, business advocacy, and public affairs. She served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Hmong Chamber of Commerce (2019–2025), supporting 400+ businesses, securing $1M in state appropriations, and leading major events and policy advocacy. She also served as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, managing corporate partnerships and regional engagement efforts. She brings strong skills in partnership development, systems building, strategic planning, and capacity strengthening. 

 Kaoly Her is a small business owner with over five years of experience in nonprofit work, community leadership, and event planning. She serves as Treasurer for HmongTown Connections, providing financial oversight while working closely with board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners to support impactful programs and events. Through her work, she leads cross-team coordination across operations, planning, and execution, bringing a practical, people-centered approach that supports sustainable growth and meaningful community impact. 

  Dona Yang is a respected elder, artist, and cultural bearer whose lived experience, memory, and traditional knowledge shape the heart of HmongTown Connections’ mission. She helps ensure that cultural grounding and elder wisdom remain central to program design, storytelling, and community engagement. Fluent in six languages, Dona brings decades of experience in event planning, stage and set design, and creative direction for large-scale cultural celebrations, including Hmong New Year at the Metrodome and the China Friendship Garden Festival. Through her artistry, multilingual communication, and deep cultural knowledge, she bridges generations and plays a vital role in preserving tradition while guiding meaningful, culturally rooted experiences for the community.