Values

1. Integrity: We emulate integrity in all aspects of our lives by keeping our promises and agreements, being true to our values and principles and honoring our words as ourselves. 

2. Harmony: We create a culture that values, embraces, and encourages a healthy life balance that includes: self, family, work, and community.

3. Leadership: We are committed to strengthening and empowering the leadership of Hmong women to achieve their individual dreams and goals.

History

In 2004, a group of Hmong women professionals and business owners saw a need for Hmong women to network and support each other to grow their businesses and develop their personal and professional selves. Many of these women belonged to different networking associations, professional and personal development groups, and chambers of commerce throughout the Twin Cities. As minority business owners and professionals living in the United States, they recognized that very few groups supported their work as women, nurtured their talents, and addressed their cultural needs. As a result the Professional Hmong Women Association was created to address these areas. By doing so, they were able to provide a space for Hmong women to network and discuss their business challenges and opportunities.

Economic Lens on Hmong Women's Lives

When we talk about an economic lens on Hmong women’s issues, we are looking at the framework from a bicultural perspective in the following ways:

Family

An economic lens in the family accounts for the value of Hmong women’s unpaid work, e.g. child care, guidance and counsel (mentoring/coaching), household chores, women’s volunteer work for charity or for clans, the management role they take in managing their households.

Education

An economic lens looks at the educational attainment and opportunities available to Hmong women. This includes the inequities that may exist in Hmong households that contribute to the educational advancement of Hmong women.

Career and Employment

The economic lens will bring to the forefront inequities that exist in employment and career systems that may bar Hmong women from reaching their highest potential. These systems may include and are not limited to the following: access to mentors and coaches, ability to negotiate salaries and wages, having the proper skills, knowledge, and experience to prepare for employment and career opportunities, the support needed in career transitions and choices, and more.

Health

An economic lens on the health of Hmong women addresses the importance of a healthy lifestyle and well being. This lens emphasizes the critical need for Hmong women to take better care of themselves, their children, and their families. It puts the Hmong woman, as an individual, as central to the health and well being of her family.