Hmong Women's Center:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hmong Women’s Center? It is a permanent, national resource and programming space led by Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together to collect and preserve Hmong women’s contributions and history, strengthen leadership and capacity building, and build intergenerational belonging grounded in Hmong women’s identity and culture.
Why Minnesota? Minnesota is the cultural and socio-political center of Hmong life in America, home to the world’s largest urban Hmong concentration and the strongest networks. Establishing the first Hmong Women’s Center here ensures maximum reach and impact.
Why Hnub Tshiab? Hnub Tshiab is the longest-standing organization nationally led by and serving Hmong women, with three decades of experience, deep trust, and a commitment to being a catalyst for lasting change.
Why now? We are at a pivotal 50-year milestone of Hmong women’s journeys in the U.S. There is urgency to preserve irreplaceable histories before they are lost and to invest in infrastructure that will serve future generations.
What will my gift help fund? -Facility acquisition in the Twin Cities (where 94% of Minnesota’s Hmong population resides). -Interior build-out for flexible programming areas, archive storage, gathering spaces, and technology. -Storytelling (professional recording, writing, visual documentation of pioneers and leaders). -Initial programming launch and community engagement. -Campaign expenses to reach our dollar goal. -Operational reserves for early-stage sustainability in the first year of the Hmong Women’s Center.
How much money will be needed? Right now, we are trying to raise dollars over the next three years that will get us 60% of what we need to acquire a large house that can be renovated for the Hmong Women’s Center. Our initial estimate is one million dollars, and we have secured about 20% of what we need.
How will Hnub Tshiab sustain the Hmong Women’s Center? We have set aside dollars for start-up costs through the campaign, and the Hmong Women’s Center will be funded by on-going grants, gifts, and fees from renting space. The Hmong Women’s Center will carry no debt, as we will purchase the property outright with no mortgage.
What programs will the Center offer? A visible space for Hmong women and other groups to partner and network with us, offer learning opportunities, and host programs that advance the status and prosperity of Hmong women. A home for Hnub Tshiab to deliver and grow its programs by creating space to expand leadership and capacity-building opportunities that activate the leadership capacity of Hmong women and girls. A cayalyst for connection, belonging and social change, the Hmong women’s Center will be more than a building—it will serve as a brave space for Hmong women to strengthen and reinforce Hmong women’s identity while activating them to lead, advocate, and uplift future generations. An anchoring location for Hmong women to collect, celebrate, and preserve their stories. By partnering with other community organizations, we will work to collect the stories of Hmong women’s resilience and achievements made throughout history and ensure their legacy is recognized for generations to come.
Who will the Center serve? Hmong women and girls across generations—from elders to youth—along with scholars, students, and community members nationwide.
How will the Center create impact beyond Minnesota? By building a national model, hosting exhibitions and programs that reach communities from California to Wisconsin and beyond serving as a resource hub for Hmong women’s organizations across the nation.
How does this investment be a catalyst for lasting change? It builds permanent infrastructure for leadership and culture, ensuring Hmong women’s stories are documented, centered, and celebrated for generations.
How will donor funds be stewarded? Hnub Tshiab is a registered public charity with demonstrated fiscal management and the infrastructure to responsibly steward a capital campaign for maximum community impact.
How will success be measured? By the volume and quality of preserved histories; launch and participation in core programs; intergenerational mentorship engagement; accessibility of archives to scholars, students, and the public; and sustained operations via reserves and community support.
How does the Center ensure accessibility and inclusion? Through facility design and programming that serves elders, youth, and people with disabilities; identity-based support groups; and culturally grounded offerings.
How can I get involved beyond donating? Host a house party to help raise funds, help with programs, spread the word to scholars, students, grant makers and community partners.
What is the call to action? Your gift preserves and shares the stories of Hmong women, strengthens the cultural heart of America’s 260,000-strong Hmong community, helps create a Hmong Women’s Center, and ensures Hnub Tshiab will thrive for generations of Hmong girls and women.
Who should I contact to donate, volunteer, or help with the Hmong Women’s Center? Dr. MayKao Y. Hang at maykao.hang@hwatnewday.onmicrosoft.com or email us on our contact page.
Where will the Hmong Women’s Center be located? In the Twin Cities area, ensuring accessibility for Minnesota’s largest urban Hmong community and national reach through programs and partnerships.
Can other organizations partner with the Center? Yes. The Center will partner to showcase contributions via exhibitions, share resources nationally, be a place for Hmong women leaders to convene, and build community.
How will Hmong women’s stories and archives be accessed? The Center will serve as a visible physical and virtual hub for the convening of scholars, students, and the public interested in Hmong women’s contributions and history.
What legacy does my gift create? Your investment helps establish the nation’s first Hmong Women’s Center—ensuring stories are preserved, future leaders are empowered, and every Hmong woman knows she is valued and belongs.