Pa Nhia Yang is a doctoral student at the University of MN in Family Social Science. She has taught, presented and published work on family social science for several years. Earlier this year, Pa Nhia was a recipient of the 2009 Hmong National Development Education Scholarship.

Melanie Heu, Secretary, is a Hmong Canadian from Kitchener, Ontario who graduated with an MSW from Wilfrid Laurier University (Canadian University). She is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Minnesota and currently works for Hmong American Partnership as a Mental and Chemical Health Provider. Outside of work, Melanie spends much of her time parenting her 8 year-old daughter and actively learning more about the community she serves.

Lindan Lee, Treasurer, works as a Paralegal Specialist for the Social Security Administration. She currently serves on the St. Paul School District Parent Advisory Council, which is a parent-leadership group who advises the superintendent on district-wide issues and challenges. She also serves as a board member on the Hmong Parents Advisory Council in the St. Paul School District, which is a Hmong parent group that promotes a partnership between Hmong parents and the school district to improve educational programs and services for Hmong students. Lindan received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management and Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Organizational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.   

Sida Ly-Xiong, is active in the nonprofit sector and has over 12 years of experience in program management and public policy analysis.  In her consulting work, Sida uses community -based research to enhance performance, planning, and governance.  Sida previously served as Associate Director of Evaluation and Research at the Women’s Foundation of MN where she designed the grantee capacity building program and led research and policy initiatives.  Her career has included creating leadership programs for refugee youth in Wisconsin; researching community development and environmental management initiatives in Botswana; and mediating civic disputes through the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Sida also teaches economics at Metropolitan State University.

Pangjua Xiong works as a Program Manager for the English Language Learner Department of the Saint Paul Public Schools.  Her work involves providing language and culture services for students and families. She enjoys meeting people in the community and learning how to collaborate more among schools, families, and the community. Pangjua believes that all individuals should feel supported and empowered to participate in and contribute to society.