About Zer

Zer Vang serves as Secretary of the Board for Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together.

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With more than 20 years of experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector, Zer has dedicated her career to expanding educational access, advancing equity, and developing leaders. She is currently the Associate Director of the First-Gen Institute at the University of Minnesota, where she leads communities of practice for higher education professionals and helps advance the institute's strategic vision to transform systems that better support first-generation students.

 

In her role, Zer has led initiatives to scale hidden curriculum workshops across Minnesota, develop curriculum and assessment tools, build institutional partnerships, facilitate professional development, and oversee key operational and strategic initiatives. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota and expects to graduate in fall 2026.

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Throughout her career, Zer has held leadership positions across several respected organizations, including Director of Student Recruitment at the University of St. Thomas; Director of MSW Admissions and Alumni Relations at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work; Adviser for the President's Emerging Scholars Program; Student Services Director at Breakthrough Minneapolis; and Program Coordinator at College Possible, where she also served on the board of directors for seven years.

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Zer has even taught First-Year Experience and Social Work courses at both the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas, mentoring students and helping prepare the next generation of leaders.

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Her commitment to equity and belonging extends beyond her professional work through service on numerous boards and committees. She currently serves on the board of Northstar Education Finance, supporting organizations that expand opportunities for underrepresented students. She has also served as Vice President and President of the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development Alumni Society and contributed to the University's Alumni Association Belonging and Inclusion Committee and Cultural Health Committee.

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A proud two-time University of Minnesota alumna with degrees in Family Social Science and Social Work, Zer brings the perspective of an educator, advocate, and mother-scholar-practitioner to every role she serves.

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Zer joined the board of Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together because she believes in advancing systemic change and creating spaces where Hmong women and girls are seen, valued, and empowered. She is deeply committed to mentorship, expanding social capital, and strengthening a community of Hmong women who are working together to lead, inspire, and create lasting change for future generations.