Wisconsin Hmong Association
Empowering Hmong-American Families
Wisconsin Hmong Association is a non-profit organization that embraces culture, leadership, and empowerment through academic and social programming.
Our Core Commitments
Cultural Heritage
Preserving Hmong language, traditions, and arts.
Economic Success
Empowering families toward self-sufficiency and growth
Advocacy & Rights
Supporting the rights and interests of the Hmong community.
Community Unity
Networking with agencies to promote local and state unity.
Our Story
Rooted in Community
The Wisconsin Hmong Association was born from a simple but powerful necessity. To ensure that as our community grows and evolves, no one is left behind. We serve as a vital bridge between the wisdom of our elders and the untapped potential of our youth. Our work is not just about providing services but also about fostering a sense of belonging and building a foundation where every Hmong individual in Wisconsin can lead with pride.
At our core, we believe that cultural identity is a superpower. By honoring the traditions that have sustained us for generations, we give our community the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Looking ahead, our vision is to create a lasting legacy of leadership and mutual support. We believe that when we invest in our people today, we are securing a brighter, more self-sufficient future for the generations to come. By working together, we turn individual aspirations into community achievements, ensuring that the Hmong spirit continues to flourish and contribute to the rich diversity of Wisconsin.
Our Values
We honor our roots through immersive community events, traditional arts, and intentional storytelling. By keeping our history at the forefront, we ensure that the Hmong legacy remains a vibrant, living part of Wisconsin’s cultural fabric.
We are committed to equipping the next generation with the leadership skills, mentorship, and academic support they need to succeed. Our programs focus on building confidence and providing the tools necessary for youth to become the architects of their own futures.
We act as a voice for the community, ensuring access to resources and creating spaces where Hmong families are seen, heard, and valued. From local partnerships to direct outreach, we are here to support our people at every stage of their journey.
Our Story
Rooted in Community
The Wisconsin Hmong Association was born from a simple but powerful necessity: to ensure that as our community grows and evolves, no one is left behind. We serve as a vital bridge between the wisdom of our elders and the untapped potential of our youth. Our work is not just about providing services but also about fostering a sense of belonging and building a foundation where every Hmong individual in Wisconsin can lead with pride.
At our core, we believe that cultural identity is a superpower. By honoring the traditions that have sustained us for generations, we give our community the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Looking ahead, our vision is to create a lasting legacy of leadership and mutual support. We believe that when we invest in our people today, we are securing a brighter, more self-sufficient future for the generations to come. By working together, we turn individual aspirations into community achievements, ensuring that the Hmong spirit continues to flourish and contribute to the rich diversity of Wisconsin.
Our Values
Cultural Preservation & Identity
We honor our roots through immersive community events, traditional arts, and intentional storytelling. By keeping our history at the forefront, we ensure that the Hmong legacy remains a vibrant, living part of Wisconsin’s cultural fabric.
Empowerment through Education
We are committed to equipping the next generation with the leadership skills, mentorship, and academic support they need to succeed. Our programs focus on building confidence and providing the tools necessary for youth to become the architects of their own futures.
Advocacy & Support
We act as a voice for the community, ensuring access to resources and creating spaces where Hmong families are seen, heard, and valued. From local partnerships to direct outreach, we are here to support our people at every stage of their journey.
Meet the Team
Nang Hue Yang
President
Ady Lee
Vice President
I'm recent accounting master's graduate with experience in financial budget development and management for county and local city municipalities.
Education:
Master's degree in Accounting from Concordia University, and Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Lakeland University.
Motivation for joining the organization:
I seek to leverage my curiosity, self-improvement skills, and organizational management to serve as Vice President at Wisconsin Hmong Association.
Short, Fun personal fact:
I love going fishing and hunting.
Moua Xiong
Secretary
Outside of WHA, I am a senior software engineer. I have lived in Madison, WI for most of my life.
Education:
Bachelors's degree in Computer Information Systems from Herzing University
Motivation for joining the organization:
I got involved with WHA because I feel it is important to continue to teach younger generations about our rich Hmong culture, traditions, history, and language.
Short, fun personal fact:
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family.
Maichee Yang
Treasurer
I am a registered dental hygienist with 8+ years of experience in the dental field. I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life and I am proud of being a Madison native.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Herzing University (2023), and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and Finance (2025).
Motivation for joining the organization:
I have not been active in the community, especially the Hmong community, and I am looking to change that and become more involved. I look forward to servicing our community more.
Short, fun personal fact:
I am the oldest of seven siblings, and a lot of people don't believe that!
Nang Hue Yang
President
Ady Lee
Vice President
A recent accounting master's graduate with experience in financial budget development and management for county and local city municipalities.
Education:
Master's degree in Accounting
Motivation for joining the organization:
I seek to leverage my curiosity, self-improvement skills, and organizational management to serve as Vice President at Wisconsin Hmong Association.
Moua Xiong
Secretary
Outside of WHA, I am a senior software engineer. I have lived in Madison, WI for most of my life.
Motivation for joining the organization:
I got involved with WHA because I feel it is important to continue to teach younger generations about our rich Hmong culture, traditions, history, and language.
Short, fun personal fact:
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family.
Maichee Yang
Treasurer
I am a registered dental hygienist with 8+ years of experience in the dental field. I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life and I am proud of being a Madison native.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Herzing University (2023), and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and Finance (2025).
Motivation for joining the organization:
I have not been active in the community, especially the Hmong community, and I am looking to change that and become more involved. I look forward to servicing our community more.
Short, fun personal fact:
I am the oldest of seven siblings, and a lot of people don't believe that!
Our Board & Committees
William E. (Bill) Connors
Board of Directors
I'm currently the Executive Director of Smart Growth Greater Madison, which advocates for local government ordinances and policies that make it easier and less expensive to develop real estate, including developing more needed housing. At various times in my career, I have been an elected alderperson, owner of a recruiting business, head of continuing legal education for the State Bar of Wisconsin, a city administrator, director of a division of the Office of the Minnesota State Auditor, legislative fiscal analyst, and lawyer in a large law firm in downtown Minneapolis.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in History, Masters Degree in Public Administration, and Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Motivation for joining the organization:
I believe immigrants make our country strong and wanted to help an organization that helps immigrants and their children and grandchildren thrive in this country.
Short, fun personal fact:
My wife and I have four adult children, three of whom were born in India and adopted by us.
Supported By
Our Community Partners
Lakeview Elementary School & MMSD
Preserving Language & Identity through Education
The Wisconsin Hmong Association is proud to partner with Lake view Elementary School and the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). Shared values of cultural preservation and educational excellence sit at the heart of this collaboration.
Through the MMSD Hmong Heritage Bilingual Program, students from Kindergarten through 8th grade have the unique opportunity to develop fluency and literacy in both Hmong and English. This program allows native speakers and those with Hmong heritage to maintain their first language while mastering academic content in a bilingual environment.
Learn More: Discover how this program is shaping the next generation. Visit the MMSD Bilingual site.
New Day New Life
Culturally Competent Mental Health Support
We collaborate with the New Day New Life project. An initiative launched in 2023 by the Southeast Asian Healing Center (SEAHC) through a State of Wisconsin Community Safety Grant. This partnership focuses on raising awareness about suicide risk and developing prevention strategies specifically tailored to the Hmong and Cambodian communities.
New Day New Life provides a safe, confidential space to discuss mental health and well-being. By offering support groups and a dedicated day center, they ensure that community members have a place to share their stories and find connection.
Lend Your Voice: Help shape future prevention strategies by participating in their community survey. Take the Survey.
Our Community Partners
Lakeview Elementary School & MMSD
Preserving Language & Identity through Education
The Wisconsin Hmong Association is proud to partner with Lake View Elementary School and the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). Shared values of cultural preservation and educational excellence sit at the heart of this collaboration.
Through the MMSD Hmong Heritage Bilingual Program, students from Kindergarten through 8th grade have the unique opportunity to develop fluency and literacy in both Hmong and English. This program allows native speakers and those with Hmong heritage to maintain their first language while mastering academic content in a bilingual environment.
Learn More: Discover how this program is shaping the next generation. Visit the MMSD Bilingual site.
Suicide Prevention – New Day New Life
Culturally Competent Mental Health Support
We collaborate with the New Day New Life project, an initiative launched in 2023 by the Southeast Asian Healing Center (SEAHC) through a State of Wisconsin Community Safety Grant. This partnership focuses on raising awareness about suicide risk and developing prevention strategies specifically tailored to the Hmong and Cambodian communities.
New Day New Life provides a safe, confidential space to discuss mental health and well-being. By offering support groups and a dedicated day center, they ensure that community members have a place to share their stories and find connection.
Lend Your Voice: Help shape future prevention strategies by participating in their community survey. Take the Survey.