2025 Mc host
National Hmong Disability Virtual Conference
“Building for Tomorrow at the Intersection of Hmong Culture & Disability”
| mc host:
The image shows an Asian Hmong woman, Mai Vang, standing confidently against a light, textured wall. She has long, wavy dark hair and is wearing a blue denim jacket over a patterned dress in warm, earthy tones. Her relaxed posture and inviting demeanor, enhanced by natural lighting, create a friendly and stylish vibe.
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| About
Mai Vang (she/her) – Advocate, Educator, and Empowering Voice for the Deaf and Hmong Communities
Mai Vang is a transformative advocate and educator whose dedication to inclusion and empowerment has made her a strong voice for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities. As a Deaf Hmong woman, Mai draws from her personal experiences navigating the intersection of Deaf and hearing worlds to break barriers, amplify voices, and create spaces of belonging.
Deaf since the age of one, Mai is the only Deaf member of her family. Growing up, she faced significant challenges, including cultural stigmas and communication barriers in the Hmong community. She embraced her identity early, adopting American Sign Language (ASL) as her primary mode of communication through a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) program.
Professionally, Mai works with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, advocating for accessibility and providing critical support statewide. Her previous roles include empowering Deaf adults at ThinkSelf Adult Education Advocacy and mentoring hearing families through the Deaf Mentor Family Program, fostering stronger family connections through ASL and Deaf culture.
Mai’s leadership extends to serving on the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) and as a board member for United Hmong with Disabilities (UHD). In these roles, she champions accessibility, inclusion, and equity while addressing systemic barriers.
A graduate of Metropolitan State University with a degree in Human Services, Mai is deeply committed to empowering marginalized communities, particularly Deaf individuals within the Hmong community. Her work highlights that Deaf individuals are leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
As the primary MC for this year’s conference, Mai brings her vibrant energy and charismatic storytelling to create an inclusive and inspiring experience for all participants. Her leadership underscores her belief in the power of representation, community, and collective action, leaving a lasting impact on the conference and beyond.
Mai Vang is a transformative advocate and educator whose dedication to inclusion and empowerment has made her a strong voice for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities. As a Deaf Hmong woman, Mai draws from her personal experiences navigating the intersection of Deaf and hearing worlds to break barriers, amplify voices, and create spaces of belonging.
Deaf since the age of one, Mai is the only Deaf member of her family. Growing up, she faced significant challenges, including cultural stigmas and communication barriers in the Hmong community. She embraced her identity early, adopting American Sign Language (ASL) as her primary mode of communication through a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) program.
Professionally, Mai works with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, advocating for accessibility and providing critical support statewide. Her previous roles include empowering Deaf adults at ThinkSelf Adult Education Advocacy and mentoring hearing families through the Deaf Mentor Family Program, fostering stronger family connections through ASL and Deaf culture.
Mai’s leadership extends to serving on the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) and as a board member for United Hmong with Disabilities (UHD). In these roles, she champions accessibility, inclusion, and equity while addressing systemic barriers.
A graduate of Metropolitan State University with a degree in Human Services, Mai is deeply committed to empowering marginalized communities, particularly Deaf individuals within the Hmong community. Her work highlights that Deaf individuals are leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
As the primary MC for this year’s conference, Mai brings her vibrant energy and charismatic storytelling to create an inclusive and inspiring experience for all participants. Her leadership underscores her belief in the power of representation, community, and collective action, leaving a lasting impact on the conference and beyond.
| Mc CO-host: Mao yang
The image shows a cheerful Asian Hmong woman, Mao Yang, sitting in a pink-frame wheelchair with a tray holding a water bottle and colorful activity materials. She wears a sparkling tiara, a white off-the-shoulder top with yellow floral patterns, and vibrant yellow leggings. The lively outdoor setting with blurred people and greenery conveys a joyful, celebratory atmosphere
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| About
Mao Yang (she/her) – Disability Justice Advocate and Storyteller
Mao Yang is a passionate disability justice advocate, gifted storyteller, and transformative community leader who is redefining inclusion and representation. Living with cerebral palsy, Mao’s lived experiences have fueled her deep commitment to breaking down barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating equitable opportunities for all. Her advocacy is rooted in intersectionality, celebrating the complexity of identities while addressing the systemic challenges that come with them.
As a Self & Community Advocate at L’Arche, Mao dedicates herself to fostering spaces of belonging where every person feels valued and supported. Through her work she has dedicated herself to amplifying marginalized voices, championing accessibility, and fostering inclusion. She believes that embracing diversity and inclusion is not just an act but a way of living that honors each individual’s humanity. Mao’s work focuses on meeting people where they are, uplifting those who often go unseen, and teaching communities how to move from basic accommodation to true inclusion through the principles of disability justice.
Mao’s approach to advocacy is deeply personal. Her relationship with her disability has shaped her worldview, giving her the insight, empathy, and drive to inspire systemic change. For Mao, cerebral palsy isn’t just a challenge; it’s an integral part of who she is—a source of both struggle and immense joy. She speaks candidly about navigating a world that wasn’t built for her, using her voice and platform to ensure that future generations won’t have to face the same barriers.
Beyond her professional roles, Mao is a vibrant individual who cherishes her identity as a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She adores all things pink, sparkly, and romantic and finds immense joy in connection—whether it’s sharing a laugh with loved ones, writing heartfelt stories, or playing competitive mobile games. Her passion for storytelling has made her an accomplished writer, captivating readers with stories that tug at heartstrings and inspire action.
Mao’s dedication to her Hmong heritage and the broader disability community drives her mission to elevate representation within spaces where it has historically been lacking. She understands the unique cultural barriers facing disabled individuals within the Hmong community and is committed to bridging these gaps through education, advocacy, and empowerment. For Mao, this work is not just professional; it’s deeply personal—a testament to her love for her community and her vision for a more inclusive future.
As Co-Host for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, Mao brings her dynamic personality, heartfelt presence, and expertise in advocacy to guide participants through an engaging and transformative experience. With her unwavering belief in the power of connection, compassion, and representation, Mao will ensure attendees feel inspired, heard, and empowered to make a difference in their own lives and communities.
Mao Yang is a passionate disability justice advocate, gifted storyteller, and transformative community leader who is redefining inclusion and representation. Living with cerebral palsy, Mao’s lived experiences have fueled her deep commitment to breaking down barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating equitable opportunities for all. Her advocacy is rooted in intersectionality, celebrating the complexity of identities while addressing the systemic challenges that come with them.
As a Self & Community Advocate at L’Arche, Mao dedicates herself to fostering spaces of belonging where every person feels valued and supported. Through her work she has dedicated herself to amplifying marginalized voices, championing accessibility, and fostering inclusion. She believes that embracing diversity and inclusion is not just an act but a way of living that honors each individual’s humanity. Mao’s work focuses on meeting people where they are, uplifting those who often go unseen, and teaching communities how to move from basic accommodation to true inclusion through the principles of disability justice.
Mao’s approach to advocacy is deeply personal. Her relationship with her disability has shaped her worldview, giving her the insight, empathy, and drive to inspire systemic change. For Mao, cerebral palsy isn’t just a challenge; it’s an integral part of who she is—a source of both struggle and immense joy. She speaks candidly about navigating a world that wasn’t built for her, using her voice and platform to ensure that future generations won’t have to face the same barriers.
Beyond her professional roles, Mao is a vibrant individual who cherishes her identity as a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She adores all things pink, sparkly, and romantic and finds immense joy in connection—whether it’s sharing a laugh with loved ones, writing heartfelt stories, or playing competitive mobile games. Her passion for storytelling has made her an accomplished writer, captivating readers with stories that tug at heartstrings and inspire action.
Mao’s dedication to her Hmong heritage and the broader disability community drives her mission to elevate representation within spaces where it has historically been lacking. She understands the unique cultural barriers facing disabled individuals within the Hmong community and is committed to bridging these gaps through education, advocacy, and empowerment. For Mao, this work is not just professional; it’s deeply personal—a testament to her love for her community and her vision for a more inclusive future.
As Co-Host for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, Mao brings her dynamic personality, heartfelt presence, and expertise in advocacy to guide participants through an engaging and transformative experience. With her unwavering belief in the power of connection, compassion, and representation, Mao will ensure attendees feel inspired, heard, and empowered to make a difference in their own lives and communities.
| opening host:
The image showcases a, Asian Hmong woman, Cynthia Yongvang, with shoulder-length, dark, wavy hair and a soft smile. She wears a black top with vibrant floral embroidery, adding a touch of color to her look. With subtle makeup and soft pink lips, her natural beauty shines against a neutral background that keeps the focus on her warm expression.
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| About
Cynthia Yongvang (she/her) – Disability Justice Advocate, Philanthropist, and Cultural Changemaker
Cynthia Yongvang is a disabled Hmong woman, wife, and a passionate advocate for social justice and disability rights. Based in Washington State, she is a philanthropist, creative artist, and leader in her community. As the Executive Director of the United Hmong with Disabilities (UHD), Cynthia plays a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and inclusion of Hmong people with disabilities on a national level. She is also the co-founder, CEO, and President of the Hmong Impact Giving Network, a national philanthropic organization dedicated to uplifting the Hmong community through strategic collective giving.
As the UHD 2025 Conference Opener, Cynthia will inspire attendees with her insightful remarks, setting the tone for a powerful gathering centered on advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Her leadership within UHD and the broader disability rights movement reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for marginalized communities and breaking down barriers for Hmong individuals with disabilities.
Cynthia’s creative talents shine through her work as the founder and CEO of the CYNTHIA YONGVANG™ brand, a textile and fashion company inspired by her rich Hmong heritage and global cultures. Her artistry and advocacy are deeply intertwined, reflecting her commitment to cultural preservation and empowerment.
With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Cynthia has held numerous leadership roles, including as the former Executive Director of the Hmong Association of WA and the Women's Initiative for Self-Empowerment, an immigrant and refugee women and girls’ organization. She has been instrumental in various initiatives, such as founding the Hmong Women’s Giving Circle in MN, leading the formation of the WA Hmong Farmers Cooperative during the pandemic, and serving on the Regional Food System steering committee at the Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC). Her work has had a lasting impact on both the Hmong community and broader immigrant and refugee communities.
Cynthia’s dedication to community service extends to her involvement on multiple boards and committees, including the United Communities of Laos, a coalition of Hmong, Lao and Khmu organizations, the Advisory Committee of Disability and Philanthropy Forum, the Empowering to Thrive’s Hmong Men/Boys Conference Planning Committee, the Hmong National Development Leadership Symposium, and the Disability Inclusion Fund’s Grantees Convening Planning Committee. She was also a 2018 Fellow from the Community Leadership Institute at Puget Sound Sage in Seattle.
Through her diverse advocacy roles, Cynthia Yongvang continues to champion the rights of marginalized communities and inspire others to lead with compassion and creativity.
Cynthia Yongvang is a disabled Hmong woman, wife, and a passionate advocate for social justice and disability rights. Based in Washington State, she is a philanthropist, creative artist, and leader in her community. As the Executive Director of the United Hmong with Disabilities (UHD), Cynthia plays a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and inclusion of Hmong people with disabilities on a national level. She is also the co-founder, CEO, and President of the Hmong Impact Giving Network, a national philanthropic organization dedicated to uplifting the Hmong community through strategic collective giving.
As the UHD 2025 Conference Opener, Cynthia will inspire attendees with her insightful remarks, setting the tone for a powerful gathering centered on advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Her leadership within UHD and the broader disability rights movement reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for marginalized communities and breaking down barriers for Hmong individuals with disabilities.
Cynthia’s creative talents shine through her work as the founder and CEO of the CYNTHIA YONGVANG™ brand, a textile and fashion company inspired by her rich Hmong heritage and global cultures. Her artistry and advocacy are deeply intertwined, reflecting her commitment to cultural preservation and empowerment.
With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Cynthia has held numerous leadership roles, including as the former Executive Director of the Hmong Association of WA and the Women's Initiative for Self-Empowerment, an immigrant and refugee women and girls’ organization. She has been instrumental in various initiatives, such as founding the Hmong Women’s Giving Circle in MN, leading the formation of the WA Hmong Farmers Cooperative during the pandemic, and serving on the Regional Food System steering committee at the Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC). Her work has had a lasting impact on both the Hmong community and broader immigrant and refugee communities.
Cynthia’s dedication to community service extends to her involvement on multiple boards and committees, including the United Communities of Laos, a coalition of Hmong, Lao and Khmu organizations, the Advisory Committee of Disability and Philanthropy Forum, the Empowering to Thrive’s Hmong Men/Boys Conference Planning Committee, the Hmong National Development Leadership Symposium, and the Disability Inclusion Fund’s Grantees Convening Planning Committee. She was also a 2018 Fellow from the Community Leadership Institute at Puget Sound Sage in Seattle.
Through her diverse advocacy roles, Cynthia Yongvang continues to champion the rights of marginalized communities and inspire others to lead with compassion and creativity.
