Living Our Dreams Awards
Hmong Woman of the Year & Live Your Best Life Awards
Each year, we honor two extraordinary women with our Woman of the Year Award and Live Your Dreams Award—recognizing individuals whose leadership, resilience, and dedication inspire others.
The Hmong Woman of the Year Award recognizes a Hmong woman who exemplifies Hnub Tshiab's mission and values of creating change, celebrating Hmong women and girls, and uplifting them to achieve their full potential. The ad honors a woman whose leadership, courage, and impact are helping create positive change in the Hmong community.
The Live Your Best Life Award honors the legacy of Ilean Kao Ly Her, who created the Live Your Best Life Grant in 2017 to invest in Hmong women pursuing their dreams and goals. Following her passing in 2021, her family, friends, and community established an endowment in her honor so her legacy of helping Hmong women live their best lives can continue for generations.
We believe every woman has the power to dream boldly and achieve her goals. Our award recipients embody what it means to live their dreams while creating opportunities for others to do the same. Their stories remind us that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.
Join us at the 2026 Live Your Dreams Annual Gala as we celebrate this year's remarkable honorees and the impact they continue to make.
Nakita Vang
Founder of Heal in Heels
Nakita Vang is a multi-passionate artist, entrepreneur, and community builder who is passionate about helping women see their own strength and potential. As the founder of Heal in Heels, established in 2023, she creates spaces where women can break through self-doubt, overcome limiting beliefs, and build unshakable confidence in themselves and their bodies.
Rooted in her own journey of transformation, Nakita is dedicated to uplifting Hmong women and creating supportive spaces where women can feel seen, empowered, and connected. Through movement, creative expression, and community, she encourages women to embrace who they are, reclaim their power, and step confidently into their own stories.
Before founding Heal in Heels, Nakita spent five years working as a Marketing and Social Media Consultant, helping businesses discover and strengthen their unique brands and identities. Her diverse experiences as an artist, entrepreneur, and marketer have shaped her passion for helping others express themselves authentically and create meaningful change in their communities.
2026 Hmong Woman of the Year
2026 Live Your Best Life Grantee
Elizabeth Lor
Civil Engineering Student at the University of St. Thomas
Elizabeth Lor is a Civil Engineering student at the University of St. Thomas and a first-generation college student who is passionate about using her education and engineering background to strengthen the communities around her. As a board member of the Society of Women Engineers, she is passionate about increasing representation in STEM and empowering Hmong women to pursue opportunities beyond traditional expectations. Her journey reflects resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to creating positive change.
As one of seven siblings, Elizabeth has always valued the importance of family, community, and giving back. Outside of her studies, she enjoys spending her free time volunteering and helping K–8 students with their academic subjects. Since 2023, she has accumulated more than 200 volunteer hours, reflecting her dedication to supporting others and making a meaningful difference in her community.
Elizabeth’s passion for leadership and service began early. In 2018, she participated in Hnub Tshiab’s Hmong Girls Leadership Program, an experience that continues to be part of her journey as she grows as a leader and works to create greater opportunities for the next generation.
Past Award Recipients
2025 Hmong Woman of the Year Awardee
Mai Vang Huizel is the Founder and Executive Director of the Hmong Museum, bringing over a decade of experience in the museum field. Her expertise spans various roles, from registrar to curator and collections manager. Mai has worked for local museums such as the Minnesota Historical Society. Mai is a firm believer in the potential and possibilities within individuals, advocating for everyone to have the opportunity to share their stories in their own authentic voices.
2025 Live Your Best Life Awardee
Ariel Cua Her is a second-generation Hmong American woman, HR professional, entrepreneur, and storyteller who loves sharing stories that inspire and uplift. She is the creator and host of Hmong Womxn Thriving, a podcast that highlights the voices, journeys, and achievements of Hmong women from all walks of life. Through heartfelt conversations, Ariel creates a space for connection, celebration, and encouragement, helping listeners embrace their own growth and resilience. Her goal is to share stories that honor Hmong womxn while inspiring others to thrive in their own unique ways.
