Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

ChangeMakers

A logo that reads changemakers

ChangeMakers is a series from MPR News showcasing Minnesotans from diverse, often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact. Whether they’re making history or making a difference for just one person, these individuals are leaders building new futures for their communities. Scroll down to meet our ChangeMakers.

These 11 Minnesotans reflect the richness of Hmong culture in the state

These 11 Minnesotans reflect the richness of Hmong culture in the state

To honor 50 years of Hmong refugee resettlement and immigration to Minnesota, MPR News highlighted Hmong Minnesotans throughout the month who are making a difference in our state. From a park naturalist to a soccer coach, these are our ChangeMakers.
by Lisa Ryan and Kyra Miles

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
She left a career in government auditing to advocate for farmers like her parents

She left a career in government auditing to advocate for farmers like her parents

Friendly Vang-Johnson’s parents were some of the first Hmong refugees to farm in Minnesota. She wasn’t planning to follow in her parents’ footsteps, but that changed when she started a delivery program that eventually became Friendly Hmong Farms, a wider effort to support farmers in Washington and Minnesota.
by Alanna Elder

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
In Minnesota, this man helped pave the way for Hmong Americans in politics

In Minnesota, this man helped pave the way for Hmong Americans in politics

Cy Thao served St. Paul as a lawmaker in the Minnesota House of Representatives. His election in 2002 made him the second Hmong American lawmaker to serve in a state Legislature anywhere in the country.
by Ellie Roth

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
A longtime grocer, now retired, continues to build connections between Hmong immigrants

A longtime grocer, now retired, continues to build connections between Hmong immigrants

For 18 years, Terry Yang ran Bubai Foods in Walnut Grove with his brother. Yang said he sees the services and products that he provided as a form of service to both the Hmong community and everyone who walked through the store’s front door.
by Matt Mikus

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
The country’s first Hmong male news anchor is making sure he’s not the last

The country’s first Hmong male news anchor is making sure he’s not the last

Chenue Her made history in 2021 when he became the first Hmong male news anchor in Des Moines, Iowa. He has since come back home to Minnesota, joining the FOX 9 Morning Show in 2024 as an anchor.
by Aleesa Kuznetsov

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
St. Paul City Council Member Nelsie Yang champions working class families like her own

St. Paul City Council Member Nelsie Yang champions working class families like her own

Nelsie Yang was just 24 years old in 2019 when she won a seat on the St. Paul City Council representing St. Paul’s east side — becoming the youngest woman and first-ever Hmong woman on the council.
by Gretchen Brown

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
‘Dream come true’: Soccer player aims to inspire Hmong women like her to play sports

‘Dream come true’: Soccer player aims to inspire Hmong women like her to play sports

Bee Chang started playing soccer in high school and was offered a position with the Minnesota Aurora FC, the pre-professional women’s soccer team. She’s now the new assistant coach for the Aurora 2, the developmental team.
by Sam Stroozas

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
‘This whole other reality’: Pao Houa Her’s photos show complexity of Hmong diaspora

‘This whole other reality’: Pao Houa Her’s photos show complexity of Hmong diaspora

Pao Houa Her’s internationally acclaimed photography is rooted in her experience being born in Laos, living with her family in the jungle for a year, escaping to a refugee camp and moving to Minnesota.
by Alex V. Cipolle

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
This Twin Cities playwright honors the range of the Hmong experience on stage

This Twin Cities playwright honors the range of the Hmong experience on stage

Katie Ka Vang moved to Minnesota when she was 18 years old and has collaborated with theaters across the Twin Cities. Her plays often center around the question of what it means to be Hmong American.
by Jacob Aloi

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
From a garden in Laos to Fort Snelling State Park, his life has been devoted to nature

From a garden in Laos to Fort Snelling State Park, his life has been devoted to nature

Kao Thao remembers the beauty of nature in Laos before he and his family fled. In Minnesota, he has spent his career teaching fishing, birding and canoeing for the Department of Natural Resources.
by Regina Medina

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
Cathy Wurzer
On Air
Morning Edition with Cathy Wurzer