Hiyana is a mission-driven professional with 15 years of experience leading programs, managing cross-functional projects, and building inclusive systems that support people and outcomes. Her background spans higher education, nonprofits, and national associations, with a focus on operational strategy, learning design, and stakeholder collaboration. She finds meaning in translating vision into action, streamlining processes, and fostering partnerships that drive lasting impact.

 

She graduated from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul with a BA in communication and journalism and a MA in educational administration and leadership where she blends storytelling, strategy, and systems thinking to design programs, lead teams, and drive impact.

 

She was inspired to join Hnub Tshiab because of her two young daughters. She aims to carry the torch and pave new ways for young, Hmong women to take ownership of their lives, uplift other women’s voices, and by extension improve the community in which they live.

 

One of her favorite quotes to live by is this piece of wisdom from Maya Angelou “you can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been”.