2025 workshops
National Hmong Disability Virtual Conference
“Building for Tomorrow at the Intersection of Hmong Culture & Disability”
| workshop #3
| Navigating Resources – Voices of Disability Advocates and Service Providers
| Type: Panel Discussion
| Type: Panel Discussion
This panel discussion will bring together advocates and service providers to explore the challenges and barriers of navigating and delivering disability resources within the Hmong community. Advocates will share their experiences with finding and accessing support, while service providers will discuss the difficulties of conducting culturally relevant outreach and delivering effective services to the Hmong disability community.
The workshop aims to:
The workshop aims to:
- Highlight gaps in current services and the importance of culturally sensitive support.
- Foster dialogue to identify actionable solutions for improving access to resources for Hmong individuals with disabilities.
- Encourage collaboration between advocates and service providers to create a more inclusive and supportive network.
- Raise awareness about the specific needs and experiences of the Hmong disability community.
| Facilitator
The image features Asian Hmong woman Gaochi Vang, radiating joy and confidence with long, shiny black hair styled in gentle waves. She wears a light pink outfit and an intricate statement necklace, adding elegance to her look. Her warm expression and broad smile enhance her cheerful and inviting demeanor against a soft, blurred background of greenery and flowers.
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| Gaochi Vang – Advocate and Disability Justice Champion
Gaochi Vang (she/her) is a passionate Hmong American advocate, writer, and facilitator from Wisconsin. Deeply grounded in her roles as a daughter, sister, friend, and storyteller, she believes in the power of collectivism and uses her individual voice to create transformative change for her community.
Gaochi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Social Psychology at Walden University.
As the Peer Specialist Program Manager at Access to Independence, Gaochi excels in leading training sessions and fostering discussions that promote disability awareness and inclusion. Her expertise in facilitation is complemented by her work in mental health, where she connects individual identities to mental well-being and empowers others to embrace their lived experiences.
Gaochi's personal journey with her disability has been one of growth and acceptance. Once a part of her identity she avoided, it is now a source of strength and motivation that drives her commitment to disability justice. She is dedicated to creating spaces where individuals with disabilities feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
In her role as a workshop facilitator, Gaochi brings her lived experiences, professional expertise, and passion for storytelling to the forefront. She aims to foster dialogue, build connections, and inspire actionable change through inclusive and engaging workshops.
Gaochi is honored to collaborate with others in amplifying the voices of Hmong individuals with disabilities and advocating for systemic change. She is committed to using her skills to educate, empower, and create a more inclusive future for all.
As a workshop facilitator for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, Gaochi brings her expertise, lived experiences, and storytelling passion to create transformative, inclusive, and engaging discussions that inspire action and connection.
Gaochi Vang (she/her) is a passionate Hmong American advocate, writer, and facilitator from Wisconsin. Deeply grounded in her roles as a daughter, sister, friend, and storyteller, she believes in the power of collectivism and uses her individual voice to create transformative change for her community.
Gaochi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Social Psychology at Walden University.
As the Peer Specialist Program Manager at Access to Independence, Gaochi excels in leading training sessions and fostering discussions that promote disability awareness and inclusion. Her expertise in facilitation is complemented by her work in mental health, where she connects individual identities to mental well-being and empowers others to embrace their lived experiences.
Gaochi's personal journey with her disability has been one of growth and acceptance. Once a part of her identity she avoided, it is now a source of strength and motivation that drives her commitment to disability justice. She is dedicated to creating spaces where individuals with disabilities feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
In her role as a workshop facilitator, Gaochi brings her lived experiences, professional expertise, and passion for storytelling to the forefront. She aims to foster dialogue, build connections, and inspire actionable change through inclusive and engaging workshops.
Gaochi is honored to collaborate with others in amplifying the voices of Hmong individuals with disabilities and advocating for systemic change. She is committed to using her skills to educate, empower, and create a more inclusive future for all.
As a workshop facilitator for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, Gaochi brings her expertise, lived experiences, and storytelling passion to create transformative, inclusive, and engaging discussions that inspire action and connection.
| Panelist
The image features Asian Hmong woman Sue Yang, with long, dark hair styled elegantly, resting her chin on her hand with a warm smile. She wears bold makeup and a striking necklace with intricate circular elements, fringes, and a culturally significant emblem. The softly blurred background and subtle lighting emphasize her confident demeanor and the ornate jewelry, blending fashion with cultural expression.
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| Sue Yang – Empowering Voices, Breaking Barriers, and Celebrating Abilities for All
Sue is a disability advocate from Greater Minnesota with lived experience as a woman with a disability. Growing up in a first-generation Hmong American family, Sue didn’t fully understand what it meant to be disabled. She often felt misunderstood in school, as she appeared “normal” and could do many of the same things as other kids. As a child, she simply navigated the world like any other young person.
It wasn’t until after high school, when Sue was referred to a secondary transition school, that she began to understand her disability more fully, especially after reviewing her IEP from grade school. This experience helped her accept herself and embrace her disability.
Sue is passionate about community work, volunteering, and disability justice. She believes in leading by example, which is why she is actively involved in outreach and volunteer efforts. Her advocacy work includes time spent giving back to her community through organizations like Northpoint Health and Wellness Center and supporting events such as the Minnesota Special Olympics. She has also served as a guest MC and speaker at various events, using her voice to spread awareness about disability rights and inclusion.
Sue has also competed in pageantry and was crowned Princess Miss Amazing MN in 2015 with Miss Amazing Inc., a pageant that provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build self-confidence in a supportive environment. Additionally, Sue was crowned National Queen in 2017 of American Majestic Ms. Diversity Pageantry, which aims to shine light on everyone’s abilities. She has supported other participants as an ambassador, helping others to find their own strength and confidence.
One of Sue’s favorite quotes is, "Never judge a book by its cover," a reminder to look beyond appearances and to understand the full story of every individual.
As a panelist for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, she will share her personal journey of embracing her identity and the challenges she has faced as a person with a disability. Her insights will highlight the power of self-advocacy, resilience, and collective action in driving change and fostering inclusion.
Sue is a disability advocate from Greater Minnesota with lived experience as a woman with a disability. Growing up in a first-generation Hmong American family, Sue didn’t fully understand what it meant to be disabled. She often felt misunderstood in school, as she appeared “normal” and could do many of the same things as other kids. As a child, she simply navigated the world like any other young person.
It wasn’t until after high school, when Sue was referred to a secondary transition school, that she began to understand her disability more fully, especially after reviewing her IEP from grade school. This experience helped her accept herself and embrace her disability.
Sue is passionate about community work, volunteering, and disability justice. She believes in leading by example, which is why she is actively involved in outreach and volunteer efforts. Her advocacy work includes time spent giving back to her community through organizations like Northpoint Health and Wellness Center and supporting events such as the Minnesota Special Olympics. She has also served as a guest MC and speaker at various events, using her voice to spread awareness about disability rights and inclusion.
Sue has also competed in pageantry and was crowned Princess Miss Amazing MN in 2015 with Miss Amazing Inc., a pageant that provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build self-confidence in a supportive environment. Additionally, Sue was crowned National Queen in 2017 of American Majestic Ms. Diversity Pageantry, which aims to shine light on everyone’s abilities. She has supported other participants as an ambassador, helping others to find their own strength and confidence.
One of Sue’s favorite quotes is, "Never judge a book by its cover," a reminder to look beyond appearances and to understand the full story of every individual.
As a panelist for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, she will share her personal journey of embracing her identity and the challenges she has faced as a person with a disability. Her insights will highlight the power of self-advocacy, resilience, and collective action in driving change and fostering inclusion.
The image shows Maychee Mua, an Asian Hmong woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair, smiling confidently against a neutral background. She wears a black outfit paired with a light gray blazer, giving her a professional yet approachable look. Her hands rest casually in her pockets, adding a relaxed touch to her posture.
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| Maychee Mua – Disability Inclusion Advocate, Innovator, and Author
Maychee Mua is a trailblazing public servant, passionate advocate, and empowering leader committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and systemic change. With over 20 years of experience spanning early education and healthcare, Maychee has dedicated her life to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for individuals and families in Minnesota and beyond.
In addition to her government roles, Maychee contributes her expertise as a board member for several nonprofit organizations, championing community-focused initiatives. Since 2001, she has been deeply involved in the early education and healthcare sectors, making a lasting impact on countless lives. As the coauthor of the beloved Hmong children's book "I Am a Hmong-American Child," Maychee celebrates cultural identity and belonging. This transformative experience ignited her passion for public policy, particularly in healthcare, where she focuses on ensuring equitable access for all Minnesotans and addressing the unique needs of children.
Her career is defined by impactful milestones, including her instrumental role in launching Minnesota's first autism Medicaid program for children under 21, paving the way for countless families to access critical care. Her policy work also extends to housing, behavioral health, and advocacy for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, demonstrating her commitment to addressing diverse community needs.
Maychee is well-versed in navigating systemic challenges associated with cultural differences and stigma. She has significantly contributed to Minnesota's policy and legislative efforts. By sharing her personal journey as a parent advocating for neurodivergent loved ones, including herself, she continues to aid state government and cultural communities across Minnesota in shifting perspectives on acceptance and understanding how to be more inclusive.
Maychee’s academic achievements include a nursing degree, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Family Studies, and a Master’s in Public Administration. Outside of her professional accomplishments, she is a loving mother of three and continues to shape policies and programs that make a lasting impact.
As a panelist for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, Maychee brings her profound insights, compassionate leadership, and inspiring vision. Her presence will energize and empower participants, sparking transformative conversations that celebrate diversity, challenge stigma, and champion disability justice.
Maychee Mua is a trailblazing public servant, passionate advocate, and empowering leader committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and systemic change. With over 20 years of experience spanning early education and healthcare, Maychee has dedicated her life to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for individuals and families in Minnesota and beyond.
In addition to her government roles, Maychee contributes her expertise as a board member for several nonprofit organizations, championing community-focused initiatives. Since 2001, she has been deeply involved in the early education and healthcare sectors, making a lasting impact on countless lives. As the coauthor of the beloved Hmong children's book "I Am a Hmong-American Child," Maychee celebrates cultural identity and belonging. This transformative experience ignited her passion for public policy, particularly in healthcare, where she focuses on ensuring equitable access for all Minnesotans and addressing the unique needs of children.
Her career is defined by impactful milestones, including her instrumental role in launching Minnesota's first autism Medicaid program for children under 21, paving the way for countless families to access critical care. Her policy work also extends to housing, behavioral health, and advocacy for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, demonstrating her commitment to addressing diverse community needs.
Maychee is well-versed in navigating systemic challenges associated with cultural differences and stigma. She has significantly contributed to Minnesota's policy and legislative efforts. By sharing her personal journey as a parent advocating for neurodivergent loved ones, including herself, she continues to aid state government and cultural communities across Minnesota in shifting perspectives on acceptance and understanding how to be more inclusive.
Maychee’s academic achievements include a nursing degree, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Family Studies, and a Master’s in Public Administration. Outside of her professional accomplishments, she is a loving mother of three and continues to shape policies and programs that make a lasting impact.
As a panelist for UHD’s 2025 National Virtual Hmong Disability Conference, Maychee brings her profound insights, compassionate leadership, and inspiring vision. Her presence will energize and empower participants, sparking transformative conversations that celebrate diversity, challenge stigma, and champion disability justice.
This image features a close-up portrait of Asian Hmong man Austin Yang, with short black hair and glasses, smiling gently. He is wearing a teal t-shirt, set against a light gray wall in a well-lit indoor setting. His expression conveys friendliness and approachability, making it ideal for personal engagement or relatability.
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| Austin Yang – Empowering Lives, Overcoming Obstacles, and Celebrating Strength in Every Journey
Austin Yang is a first gen Hmong American living in Denver, CO. He was originally diagnosed with bronchitis obliterans before his first birthday. At the age of 26, he was placed on ECMO and received a double lung transplant. Since his transplant, he now feels it is his mission to help people with disabilities in any capacity he can.
Despite the hardships Austin faced, he earned a typical education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and a minor in Sociology at the University of Colorado Denver. Before he attended pre-school, Austin attended Kids Street in Denver, an educational center for children with complex medical conditions.
Starting his freshman year of high school, Austin took the responsibility of caring for himself and communicating to medical professionals. What got Austin through navigating the complex healthcare system was a sense of trust and mutual understanding in receiving the best care from his doctors, nurses, and therapist.
Austin Yang is a first gen Hmong American living in Denver, CO. He was originally diagnosed with bronchitis obliterans before his first birthday. At the age of 26, he was placed on ECMO and received a double lung transplant. Since his transplant, he now feels it is his mission to help people with disabilities in any capacity he can.
Despite the hardships Austin faced, he earned a typical education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and a minor in Sociology at the University of Colorado Denver. Before he attended pre-school, Austin attended Kids Street in Denver, an educational center for children with complex medical conditions.
Starting his freshman year of high school, Austin took the responsibility of caring for himself and communicating to medical professionals. What got Austin through navigating the complex healthcare system was a sense of trust and mutual understanding in receiving the best care from his doctors, nurses, and therapist.
The image features Caucasian woman Keeri Tramm, with long, dark hair and a warm smile, wearing a floral-patterned green and white dress. She accessories with a simple necklace and hoop earrings, complementing her friendly and put-together look. The softly blurred background suggests a natural setting, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
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| Keeri Tramm – Champion for Disability Inclusion, Strategic Innovator, and Community Advocate
Keeri Tramm is the Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks, where she leads efforts to promote disability inclusion and empowerment. An Autistic professional, she has a background spanning both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, with expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful change. Keeri holds a degree in Special Education and has extensive experience as a case manager and assessor in both Oregon and Minnesota for individuals with I/DD co-occurring with SPMI.
Keeri Tramm is the Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks, where she leads efforts to promote disability inclusion and empowerment. An Autistic professional, she has a background spanning both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, with expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful change. Keeri holds a degree in Special Education and has extensive experience as a case manager and assessor in both Oregon and Minnesota for individuals with I/DD co-occurring with SPMI.
The image features an African American woman Angela Shaw, with shoulder-length, wavy dark hair, framed by soft, natural lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. She wears stylish, translucent glasses with a deep red frame, and her understated makeup subtly enhances her features. With a thoughtful expression, she appears confident and engaged against a background of geometric patterns, suggesting a contemporary art piece or architectural element.
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| Angela Shaw – Champion of Accessibility, Communications Advocate, and Leading Change
Angela Shaw has been a dedicated member of the California Connect equipment program since 2002. Throughout her 20+ years with the program, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing communication access for Californians with disabilities. Angela’s journey with the program has seen her evolve from Outreach Specialist to Supervisor, Manager, and eventually Director. In each of these roles, she has provided invaluable leadership, oversight, and support, ensuring the program meets the needs of individuals who rely on it for communication assistance.
As Director, Angela has overseen numerous initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility and effectiveness of the program. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, coupled with her years of experience, has allowed her to successfully navigate the program's growth and continue to provide vital resources for those in need.
Angela’s dedication to accessibility and communication, along with her leadership and passion for making a difference, has had a lasting impact on the California Connect program and the individuals it serves.
Angela Shaw has been a dedicated member of the California Connect equipment program since 2002. Throughout her 20+ years with the program, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing communication access for Californians with disabilities. Angela’s journey with the program has seen her evolve from Outreach Specialist to Supervisor, Manager, and eventually Director. In each of these roles, she has provided invaluable leadership, oversight, and support, ensuring the program meets the needs of individuals who rely on it for communication assistance.
As Director, Angela has overseen numerous initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility and effectiveness of the program. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, coupled with her years of experience, has allowed her to successfully navigate the program's growth and continue to provide vital resources for those in need.
Angela’s dedication to accessibility and communication, along with her leadership and passion for making a difference, has had a lasting impact on the California Connect program and the individuals it serves.
The image features an Asian Hmong man Chong Vang, with short, neatly styled hair and a well-groomed goatee. He is dressed in a classic black vest over a white dress shirt, paired with a dark tie, exuding confidence and poise. The softly blurred greenery in the background suggests an outdoor setting, adding warmth to the composition.
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| Chong Vang – Bridging Communication, Dedicated Advocate, and Championing Disability Access
Chong has over 20 years of experience working with the California Connect program, a vital initiative aimed at helping Californians with disabilities communicate more effectively with their loved ones. Through his role, Chong ensures individuals have the equipment and support they need to overcome communication barriers and stay connected with family and friends. His work has significantly contributed to improving the lives of people with disabilities, providing them with the tools to engage with their communities and loved ones.
Born into a large family of 12 siblings, Chong’s parents were Hmong refugees who migrated from Laos and Thailand to France in 1975. Growing up in a diverse and closely-knit household, Chong developed a deep sense of empathy and a passion for helping others. His personal experiences shaped his commitment to improving accessibility and quality of life for people with disabilities, driving him to make a lasting impact through his work with California Connect.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chong enjoys spending time with his five children, coaching and playing volleyball and football. His active lifestyle reflects his values of teamwork, community, and perseverance. Whether on the sports field or at home, Chong demonstrates the importance of family, collaboration, and resilience in all aspects of life.
Chong has over 20 years of experience working with the California Connect program, a vital initiative aimed at helping Californians with disabilities communicate more effectively with their loved ones. Through his role, Chong ensures individuals have the equipment and support they need to overcome communication barriers and stay connected with family and friends. His work has significantly contributed to improving the lives of people with disabilities, providing them with the tools to engage with their communities and loved ones.
Born into a large family of 12 siblings, Chong’s parents were Hmong refugees who migrated from Laos and Thailand to France in 1975. Growing up in a diverse and closely-knit household, Chong developed a deep sense of empathy and a passion for helping others. His personal experiences shaped his commitment to improving accessibility and quality of life for people with disabilities, driving him to make a lasting impact through his work with California Connect.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chong enjoys spending time with his five children, coaching and playing volleyball and football. His active lifestyle reflects his values of teamwork, community, and perseverance. Whether on the sports field or at home, Chong demonstrates the importance of family, collaboration, and resilience in all aspects of life.
