Board of Directors
Nkauj Iab Yang
Interim President |
Nkauj Iab Yang is the Director of Youth Justice with Hmong Innovating Politics California. She grew up in Del Paso Heights where she learned first-hand the power of taking initiative to create change for the community. Nkauj Iab graduated from Grant Union High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2012, she went on to pursue her Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University.
Nkauj Iab has over thirteen years of working with youth and young adults in hopes to provide brave spaces for young people to realize their power and voices in impacting change. Her experiences working with youth ranges from organizing with grassroots groups, fostering leadership in young people, and providing direct services to sexually exploited minors. In 2016 to 2019, Nkauj Iab was the Director of California with the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) where she advocated for just policies to increase equity and access for Southeast Asian Americans across California. With Nkauj Iab's passion to fight for racial justice and social justice and her years of community organizing, she hopes to increase the civic and political engagement of the Hmong and Southeast Asian American communities throughout the Central Valley, while working in coalition with other communities of colors. |
Shoun Thao
Chief Financial Officer |
Shoun Thao currently serves a City of Sacramento District 2 Council Representative for Councilmember Allen Wayne Warren. His experiences include research, resolving constituent affairs, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of events/projects and facilitating communication between council and city staff. Shoun holds a dual Bachelors of Arts in History and Chinese from the University of California, Davis..
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Nha Thai Thao
Board of Director |
Nha Thai Thao, at the age of 16 years old, with not even a dollar to his name, sought refuge to San Francisco, CA in 1980 after escaping Laos where the Hmong participated in the Secret War, aiding the United States during the Vietnam War. He married his wife, Youa Lee, in 1982 Richmond, CA and both raised six beautiful children together.
Nha Thai moved to Sacramento in 1996 and began his real estate management and investment career, buying and managing property in the city of Marysville and Sacramento and renting to low income families. He was appointed by the City of Sacramento to serve two terms on the Del Paso Heights Redevelopment Advisory Committee on Seat C. He revived and served as President of Hmong Youth and Parent's United and founded the Hmong Enrichment Summer Program. He also co-founded the Hmong Organizing for Progress and Empowerment Center (H.O.P.E Center) allowing for exchange of arts, culture, history, knowledge, and opportunities for Hmong here and abroad. |
Dr. Nha Bee Herr
Board of Director |