Living Our Dreams: 2026 Gala Recap
Updated: 2 hours ago
On Friday, October 2, nearly 200 Hmong women and allies gathered for our gala, Living Our Dreams: Hmong Women Leading Across Industries, an evening celebrating the dreams, leadership, and accomplishments of Hmong women across generations.
The evening brought together four inspiring Hmong women leaders, Catherine Yang, NouaChi Vang, Dr. Pakou Yang, and Dr. Shary Vang, for a conversation about leadership, identity, resilience, and what it means to build a life that is truly your own.
Guided by Dr. Talee Vang, the conversation reminded us that there is no single way to live our dreams or to define leadership.
Living Our Dreams Means Creating Your Own Path
Each panelist shared a different perspective on what it means to lead and build a meaningful career.
Dr. Shary Vang shared a candid reflection on reaching a point in her career where she had achieved many of the things she thought she was supposed to want—a successful career in medicine, leadership, marriage, and motherhood—yet no longer recognized herself.
Eventually, she realized she could create a better system that not only serves her patients, but her as well.
Her story was a reminder that sometimes living our dreams means having the courage to pause, redefine success, and choose a path that allows us to live more authentically.
Catherine Yang reminded us that leadership doesn't always come with a title. We lead in the everyday moments when we share our knowledge, support others, and help someone find their way. She reminds us that leadership is already within us; we simply have to recognize it and embrace it.
NouaChi Vang shared insight from her experience in finance and leadership, reminding us of the importance of being intentional about our choices, building confidence, and creating a future that aligns with our own goals and values.
Dr. Pakou Yang spoke to the importance of education, perseverance, and creating opportunities for others. Her journey demonstrated how living your own dream can also mean creating pathways for the next generation to dream bigger.
Together, their stories showed us that living our dreams does not always mean following a straight path. Sometimes it means changing direction. Sometimes it means taking a risk. And sometimes it means creating a path that didn't exist before.
Elizabeth Lor: A Dream Coming Full Circle
The evening also celebrated Elizabeth Lor, recipient of the Ilean Kao Ly Her Living Your Best Life Grant.
Elizabeth is a first-generation college student pursuing civil engineering, a field where she has navigated both academic challenges and the experience of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Her story with Hnub Tshiab makes this moment especially meaningful.
In 2018, Elizabeth participated in Hnub Tshiab's Hmong Girls Leadership Program, where she began exploring leadership and developing a stronger sense of her own identity.
Years later, she returned to receive a grant that will help support her as she continues pursuing her dreams.
For Elizabeth, the grant represented more than financial support. It was a reminder that someone believes in her dreams, too.
Her journey is a beautiful example of what can happen when we invest in Hmong girls and women: an opportunity given years ago can continue to create an impact long into the future.
Nakita Vang: Living Authentically
We also celebrated Nakita Vang as our 2026 Hmong Woman of the Year.
As the founder of Heal in Heels, Nakita is helping women build confidence, move through self-doubt, and reclaim their power through movement, creative expression, and community.
Her own leadership journey with Hnub Tshiab began in 2015, when she participated in the Hmong Women Leader Institute.
Today, Nakita continues to explore what leadership means to her.
For her, being a leader means living authentically and genuinely—and through that authenticity, inspiring others to do the same.
Her work reflects the heart of Living Our Dreams: that we don't have to fit into someone else's definition of success. We can create our own.
A Community That Makes Dreams Possible
Living Our Dreams would not have been possible without the people who believe in Hmong women and the work of Hnub Tshiab.
We recognize our Board of Directors—Zer Vang, Mysee Chang Vang, Dr. Maykao Y. Hang, Tru Thao, and Hiyana Yang—for their leadership and commitment to advancing our mission. As volunteers balancing full-time careers, family responsibilities, and other commitments, they choose to dedicate their time and energy to serving Hmong women and their communities. Their commitment reflects a shared desire to give back, uplift others, and create meaningful opportunities for Hmong women across generations.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and staff who shared their time, energy, and talents to make this evening possible. Your contributions created a welcoming space for Hmong women and allies to connect, celebrate, and inspire one another.
When Women Invest in Women
Throughout the evening, one message stood out: when Hmong women are given the opportunity to pursue their dreams, they can open doors for others to do the same.
From leadership programs to educational grants and community initiatives, Hnub Tshiab is committed to helping Hmong women discover their potential, pursue their goals, and shape their own futures.
Elizabeth's journey reflects the lasting impact of investing in young women. Nakita's work demonstrates how embracing our own leadership can inspire others. And our panelists remind us that living our dreams can mean challenging expectations, redefining success, and creating new possibilities.
Together, these stories show what becomes possible when Hmong women have the support, resources, and opportunities to pursue their aspirations.
Help Us Keep Living Our Dreams
The work continues long after the gala. Your support helps Hnub Tshiab create leadership opportunities, support young women pursuing their goals, and preserve the stories and experiences of Hmong women for future generations.
When you give to Hnub Tshiab, you help turn possibility into opportunity for Hmong women and girls.
Help us build a future where every Hmong woman has the support and resources to pursue her dreams and define success on her own terms.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the gala, and believes in the vision of Hnub Tshiab. Together, we can continue creating opportunities for Hmong women to live their dreams and shape a future filled with possibility.
Our Community Partners
We are proud to have community partners from education, health care, financial services, and Hmong community organizations represented among our gala sponsors.
North Hennepin Community College is a public community college in Brooklyn Park focused on creating opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career goals. Its mission centers on engaging students, changing lives, and advancing opportunity through education.
University of St. Thomas, Morrison Family College of Health, prepares future health professionals through programs in nursing, social work, psychology, and health and exercise science. Its approach centers on whole-person health, health equity, social justice, and culturally responsive care.
Salty Highlander is a privately held knowledge company dedicated to executive coaching and supporting women and people of color.
Pebmoob Senior Center serves older adults in the Eastside St. Paul community, with a focus on well-being, independence, and social engagement. Its services include transportation, meals, health and exercise activities, and culturally responsive support, including staff who speak Hmong, Lao, and Thai.
Hmong American Partnership (HAP) is a community development and social service nonprofit founded to serve Minnesota's Hmong community. Today, HAP serves nearly 30,000 people annually through programs focused on economic opportunity, workforce development, community impact, and other services that help immigrant and refugee communities thrive.
Hmong Elders Center provides culturally responsive adult day services for the Hmong community in St. Paul. Its services support older adults through health and social services, meals, transportation, and activities designed to reduce isolation and promote well-being and independence.
Securian Financial is a St. Paul-based financial services company that provides insurance and retirement solutions to individuals, families, and businesses. With more than 140 years of history, the company focuses on helping customers prepare for and protect their financial futures.
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