HESC 2020 Staff
Program Coordinator
Kao Nue Xiong
kaonue.xiong@hypu.org
My name is Kao Nue Xiong. I am excited to share that I will be this year’s Program Coordinator for the Hmong Summer Enrichment Camp 2020 (HSEC). I grew up in the North Sacramento Region, attended schools of Twin Rivers Unified School District, before they even became Twin Rivers. I attended California State University, Sacramento where I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Currently, I teach 3rd grade at Hazel Strauch Elementary School. Prior to this, I have taught 6th grade at Del Paso Elementary School, 7th grade math and I worked as an instructional aide at Morey Avenue Head Start. Last summer, I had the opportunity to teach Hmong with HESC as the 6th grade instructor. It is my hope that together, we will continue the great work of HESC. I look forward to working with the parents, students, staff, and community!
kaonue.xiong@hypu.org
My name is Kao Nue Xiong. I am excited to share that I will be this year’s Program Coordinator for the Hmong Summer Enrichment Camp 2020 (HSEC). I grew up in the North Sacramento Region, attended schools of Twin Rivers Unified School District, before they even became Twin Rivers. I attended California State University, Sacramento where I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Currently, I teach 3rd grade at Hazel Strauch Elementary School. Prior to this, I have taught 6th grade at Del Paso Elementary School, 7th grade math and I worked as an instructional aide at Morey Avenue Head Start. Last summer, I had the opportunity to teach Hmong with HESC as the 6th grade instructor. It is my hope that together, we will continue the great work of HESC. I look forward to working with the parents, students, staff, and community!
Credentialed Teacher Consultant
Ia Lo
ia.lo@hypu.org
Nyob zoo! My name is Ia Lo and this year I am returning for the 6th summer, but as the Credentialed Teacher Consultant. My responsibilities are curriculum and resources development. Aside from HESC, I am a 3rd grade teacher at Yav Pem Suab Academy. I earned my teacher credential from Sacramento State. Prior to that, I earned my B.A. of Anthropology and Double Minor in Education and Asian American Studies at UC Davis.
My heart is in the Hmong language and culture and I believe that our youths deserve to explore and grow through it. With HESC Team 2020, I am certain that our tub ntxhais txawj will strive for success!!!
ia.lo@hypu.org
Nyob zoo! My name is Ia Lo and this year I am returning for the 6th summer, but as the Credentialed Teacher Consultant. My responsibilities are curriculum and resources development. Aside from HESC, I am a 3rd grade teacher at Yav Pem Suab Academy. I earned my teacher credential from Sacramento State. Prior to that, I earned my B.A. of Anthropology and Double Minor in Education and Asian American Studies at UC Davis.
My heart is in the Hmong language and culture and I believe that our youths deserve to explore and grow through it. With HESC Team 2020, I am certain that our tub ntxhais txawj will strive for success!!!
Curriculum Consultant/Developer
Lay Vang
lay.vang@hypu.org
My name is Lay Vang, and I am this year’s Curriculum Consultant/ Developer for the high school Leadership and Career Development component. I was born in Merced, CA but raised in South Sacramento. I am proud to be a product of the Sacramento City Unified School District where I obtained an outstanding public education. I hold a BS in Psychology from UC Davis and a MS in Career Counseling from Sacramento State. My past experiences include initiating and teaching the first Hmong culture and language course at UC Davis, leading undergraduate courses at Sacramento State, and teaching the introductory Hmong language class to adults at the HOPE Center. Currently, I serve as HYPU's Higher Education Coordinator. In my role, I organized the largest college fair for the Hmong community in fall of 2019 with over 20 colleges and organizations in attendance, facilitated financial aid workshops for high school students, and collaborated with the Sacramento County of Education (SCOE) to have the first Cash for College event at the HOPE Center.
I live to provide an outstanding education to build Hmong culture and language competency. One of my goals is to continue to expose the beautiful Hmong culture and language to both native and non-native speakers so they will have a greater appreciation for the Hmong culture and people. Additionally, I want to provide students with the tools and knowledge so they can find jobs that will truly make them happy. Most importantly, I want to empower Hmong students to become agents of change in our communities.
lay.vang@hypu.org
My name is Lay Vang, and I am this year’s Curriculum Consultant/ Developer for the high school Leadership and Career Development component. I was born in Merced, CA but raised in South Sacramento. I am proud to be a product of the Sacramento City Unified School District where I obtained an outstanding public education. I hold a BS in Psychology from UC Davis and a MS in Career Counseling from Sacramento State. My past experiences include initiating and teaching the first Hmong culture and language course at UC Davis, leading undergraduate courses at Sacramento State, and teaching the introductory Hmong language class to adults at the HOPE Center. Currently, I serve as HYPU's Higher Education Coordinator. In my role, I organized the largest college fair for the Hmong community in fall of 2019 with over 20 colleges and organizations in attendance, facilitated financial aid workshops for high school students, and collaborated with the Sacramento County of Education (SCOE) to have the first Cash for College event at the HOPE Center.
I live to provide an outstanding education to build Hmong culture and language competency. One of my goals is to continue to expose the beautiful Hmong culture and language to both native and non-native speakers so they will have a greater appreciation for the Hmong culture and people. Additionally, I want to provide students with the tools and knowledge so they can find jobs that will truly make them happy. Most importantly, I want to empower Hmong students to become agents of change in our communities.
Pahnia Xiong
panhia.xiong@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo! My name is Panhia Xiong. This is my fifth summer working with HESC. The first 3 summers, I was a Language Instructor. Last Summer, I supported the program as the Program Assistant. This summer, I am excited to be the Curriculum Consultant/Developer for HESC.
A little about myself, I was born in Thailand and came to the U.S. when I was 5 years old. I grew up in south Sacramento and Elk Grove. I have always loved art as a kid and decided to pursue a higher education in art when I started college. I received my B.A. in Art Studio and my Single Subject Art Teaching Credential from the California State University of Sacramento. Currently, I teach Art at Rio Tierra Jr. High School with the Twin Rivers Unified School District. On the side, I also teach a Saturday Hmong Language class for Txuj Ci Hmong School in Elk Grove for the past 5 years.
I look forward to creating meaningful enrichments and supplemental Phonics materials for our HESC students.
Ua Tsaug!
panhia.xiong@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo! My name is Panhia Xiong. This is my fifth summer working with HESC. The first 3 summers, I was a Language Instructor. Last Summer, I supported the program as the Program Assistant. This summer, I am excited to be the Curriculum Consultant/Developer for HESC.
A little about myself, I was born in Thailand and came to the U.S. when I was 5 years old. I grew up in south Sacramento and Elk Grove. I have always loved art as a kid and decided to pursue a higher education in art when I started college. I received my B.A. in Art Studio and my Single Subject Art Teaching Credential from the California State University of Sacramento. Currently, I teach Art at Rio Tierra Jr. High School with the Twin Rivers Unified School District. On the side, I also teach a Saturday Hmong Language class for Txuj Ci Hmong School in Elk Grove for the past 5 years.
I look forward to creating meaningful enrichments and supplemental Phonics materials for our HESC students.
Ua Tsaug!
Instructors
Soua Lor
Instructor Grades K-1
soua.lor@hypu.org
My name is Soua Lor. This is my fourth year involved with Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp. I am currently working at Twin Rivers Unified School District; I am in the process of developing a better understanding on how children process and grow based on the knowledge that they’ve learned or obtained. I believe that each and every child has different ways of learning. I enjoy working with fellow colleagues to help make a difference in our educational work field by establishing multiple learning environments and techniques to help support each student based on their learning style, so that they can develop skills to become a better learner. Throughout everything, I am proud to be Hmong and I love myself for it. I hope at the end of the program your child will feel that same way about themselves too.
Instructor Grades K-1
soua.lor@hypu.org
My name is Soua Lor. This is my fourth year involved with Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp. I am currently working at Twin Rivers Unified School District; I am in the process of developing a better understanding on how children process and grow based on the knowledge that they’ve learned or obtained. I believe that each and every child has different ways of learning. I enjoy working with fellow colleagues to help make a difference in our educational work field by establishing multiple learning environments and techniques to help support each student based on their learning style, so that they can develop skills to become a better learner. Throughout everything, I am proud to be Hmong and I love myself for it. I hope at the end of the program your child will feel that same way about themselves too.
Choua Lor
Instructor Grades 2
choua.lor@hypu.org
My name is Choua Lor. This year I have the honor to be the 2nd grade instructor. I was born and raised in Oroville, CA and just recently relocated here in Sacramento. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and a TESOL certificate from California State University of Chico. I’m currently working on pursuing my education and getting my teaching credential.
For the past few years, I have included myself in the Hmong community sports. From playing women flag football to women soccer and volleyball. Growing up from a family of 11, the Hmong language was mainly used in my household and that’s one thing I don’t regret. The Hmong culture and language is so beautiful that I want to educate others too. I’m excited to teach the community the importance of the Hmong culture and language and acknowledge the beauty of it.
Instructor Grades 2
choua.lor@hypu.org
My name is Choua Lor. This year I have the honor to be the 2nd grade instructor. I was born and raised in Oroville, CA and just recently relocated here in Sacramento. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and a TESOL certificate from California State University of Chico. I’m currently working on pursuing my education and getting my teaching credential.
For the past few years, I have included myself in the Hmong community sports. From playing women flag football to women soccer and volleyball. Growing up from a family of 11, the Hmong language was mainly used in my household and that’s one thing I don’t regret. The Hmong culture and language is so beautiful that I want to educate others too. I’m excited to teach the community the importance of the Hmong culture and language and acknowledge the beauty of it.
Mary An Lor
Instructor Grades 3-4
mary.lor@hypu.org
My name is Mary An Lor. I am a mother of three boys and a proud United States Air Force military spouse for the last 14 years. I am honored to serve as a first-year HESC instructor and thrilled for what’s to come for my students and myself! As a proud first-generation Hmong American native to Sacramento, and after graduating from CSU, Sacramento with my Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and a minor in Criminal Justice, I pursued higher education and recently earned my Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Best Practices (Class of 2020). I currently hold a Multiple Subject Credential with an English Language Learner authorization and two subject matter authorizations; English and Social Science. In the past, I have worked with 1st and 4th graders in inclusive classroom settings.
I pride myself in encouraging HESC students towards the path of higher education and to guiding them in identifying with the Hmong culture. I believe that HESC students can achieve their full potential by first connecting with who they are as an individual. I strive to guide HESC students in developing an appreciation of their Hmong identity and a love of learning in Hmong language and literacy, arts, and culture.
A fun fact about me is that I have been dancing at Hmong New Years and cultural events ever since I was in the first grade!
Instructor Grades 3-4
mary.lor@hypu.org
My name is Mary An Lor. I am a mother of three boys and a proud United States Air Force military spouse for the last 14 years. I am honored to serve as a first-year HESC instructor and thrilled for what’s to come for my students and myself! As a proud first-generation Hmong American native to Sacramento, and after graduating from CSU, Sacramento with my Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and a minor in Criminal Justice, I pursued higher education and recently earned my Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Best Practices (Class of 2020). I currently hold a Multiple Subject Credential with an English Language Learner authorization and two subject matter authorizations; English and Social Science. In the past, I have worked with 1st and 4th graders in inclusive classroom settings.
I pride myself in encouraging HESC students towards the path of higher education and to guiding them in identifying with the Hmong culture. I believe that HESC students can achieve their full potential by first connecting with who they are as an individual. I strive to guide HESC students in developing an appreciation of their Hmong identity and a love of learning in Hmong language and literacy, arts, and culture.
A fun fact about me is that I have been dancing at Hmong New Years and cultural events ever since I was in the first grade!
Ashlenily Xiong
Instructor Grades 5-6
ashlenily.xiong@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo os! I’m Ashlenily Xiong! I am currently a student at Sacramento State pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies! In my free time I like to sing, take photos, do arts and crafts, go on adventures when presented, and learn new hobbies when given the opportunity to do so! I always get excited when presented with the opportunity to teach Hmong because I have always felt that it is my duty to help find the missing puzzle pieces for many people who struggle to learn Hmong. By being here at the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp, this is how I am fulfilling my duty, by helping our younger generations find and build pieces of their own puzzles!
I myself was a student in the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp 6 years ago and have found the experience super rewarding and impactful! Another few years later, I was an intern and the year after, was the 3rd grade instructor! I have witnessed the growth of the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp throughout the years and I am passionate and grateful to be able to give back to the program and community that has continuously supported my professional development and growth as a young adult!
I am very excited, as this summer I will continue to give back to HESC as the 5-6th grade instructor! I hope that this experience that is presented to students will be as impactful to them as it was for me! I am looking forward to another successful summer!
Instructor Grades 5-6
ashlenily.xiong@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo os! I’m Ashlenily Xiong! I am currently a student at Sacramento State pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies! In my free time I like to sing, take photos, do arts and crafts, go on adventures when presented, and learn new hobbies when given the opportunity to do so! I always get excited when presented with the opportunity to teach Hmong because I have always felt that it is my duty to help find the missing puzzle pieces for many people who struggle to learn Hmong. By being here at the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp, this is how I am fulfilling my duty, by helping our younger generations find and build pieces of their own puzzles!
I myself was a student in the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp 6 years ago and have found the experience super rewarding and impactful! Another few years later, I was an intern and the year after, was the 3rd grade instructor! I have witnessed the growth of the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp throughout the years and I am passionate and grateful to be able to give back to the program and community that has continuously supported my professional development and growth as a young adult!
I am very excited, as this summer I will continue to give back to HESC as the 5-6th grade instructor! I hope that this experience that is presented to students will be as impactful to them as it was for me! I am looking forward to another successful summer!
Nou Vang
Instructor for 7-8
nou.vang@hypu.org
Nyob zoo! Hello, my name is Nou Vang and I will be one of the HESC instructors for this summer. I grew up in Thailand and came to the United States back in 2005 with the last wave of the Hmong immigration from Thailand to America. Along the journey of finding myself in this new place, I found my passion in teaching and went to the University of California Riverside to pursue higher education and in becoming a teacher. I graduated in 2017 from the university with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers. Currently, I am a substitute teacher for Twin Rivers Unified School District.
I am so excited to be a part of the HESC program and look forward to teaching my students all about the Hmong Language and Culture. I hope that with a great program like this and all the others, the Hmong community will continue to live and grow stronger in the future.
Instructor for 7-8
nou.vang@hypu.org
Nyob zoo! Hello, my name is Nou Vang and I will be one of the HESC instructors for this summer. I grew up in Thailand and came to the United States back in 2005 with the last wave of the Hmong immigration from Thailand to America. Along the journey of finding myself in this new place, I found my passion in teaching and went to the University of California Riverside to pursue higher education and in becoming a teacher. I graduated in 2017 from the university with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers. Currently, I am a substitute teacher for Twin Rivers Unified School District.
I am so excited to be a part of the HESC program and look forward to teaching my students all about the Hmong Language and Culture. I hope that with a great program like this and all the others, the Hmong community will continue to live and grow stronger in the future.
Jerry Vang
Instructor Leadership Cohort 9-12
jerry.vang@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo! My name is Jerry Vang and I’m excited to return to HESC again this summer and be a part of the Leadership Cohort. I recently graduated from California State University of Sacramento with my Bachelors in Liberal Arts and will continue to pursue my career into Education. I’ve always been devoted to the Hmong Culture and Community and always enjoy learning new things. Having this opportunity to help teach Language to our Hmong students I believe that it's such a great opportunity for myself and the students to learn about the Hmong Language and Culture. There’s a Hmong saying, “Nyob luag ntuj, kawg luag txuj” but I always believe that we shouldn’t forget our roots and culture though we live in this new world.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the students progress through this summer and hopefully hear them share with their families what they’ve learned through this program.
Instructor Leadership Cohort 9-12
jerry.vang@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo! My name is Jerry Vang and I’m excited to return to HESC again this summer and be a part of the Leadership Cohort. I recently graduated from California State University of Sacramento with my Bachelors in Liberal Arts and will continue to pursue my career into Education. I’ve always been devoted to the Hmong Culture and Community and always enjoy learning new things. Having this opportunity to help teach Language to our Hmong students I believe that it's such a great opportunity for myself and the students to learn about the Hmong Language and Culture. There’s a Hmong saying, “Nyob luag ntuj, kawg luag txuj” but I always believe that we shouldn’t forget our roots and culture though we live in this new world.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the students progress through this summer and hopefully hear them share with their families what they’ve learned through this program.
Mai Xiong
Instructor Leadership Cohort 8-12
mai.xiong@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo! My name is Maim Xyooj. I was born in Thailand and raised in Fresno, California. I am a recent graduate from the University of California, Davis (UCD) with Bachelors of Arts in Asian American Studies and Sociology, minor in Global and International Studies.
During my free time, I enjoy planting flowers, journaling and sleeping. An exciting fun fact about me is that I am exploring how to grow Hmong herbs, specifically Tshuaj Rau Qaib.
This will be my first year working with the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp. I have the privilege to instruct and facilitate a collective learning space for our youths in grades 8-12. My goal at the end of this 6 week camp is that students will be able to develop Hmong language skills, learn to work as a collective and grow individually.
Instructor Leadership Cohort 8-12
mai.xiong@hypu.org
Nyob Zoo! My name is Maim Xyooj. I was born in Thailand and raised in Fresno, California. I am a recent graduate from the University of California, Davis (UCD) with Bachelors of Arts in Asian American Studies and Sociology, minor in Global and International Studies.
During my free time, I enjoy planting flowers, journaling and sleeping. An exciting fun fact about me is that I am exploring how to grow Hmong herbs, specifically Tshuaj Rau Qaib.
This will be my first year working with the Hmong Enrichment Summer Camp. I have the privilege to instruct and facilitate a collective learning space for our youths in grades 8-12. My goal at the end of this 6 week camp is that students will be able to develop Hmong language skills, learn to work as a collective and grow individually.
Intern
Stacy Lee
Hello Nyob zoo, my name is Stacy Lee. I have been attending HESC as a student for 4 years and been doing the internship for 3 years now. I took a break from this internship last summer 2019. My goal for HESC this year is to see students have some growth in the Hmong language and see the students have fun.
A little background about me is that I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. I am the third oldest child out of 11 and the oldest daughter. Some fun facts about me is that I love going on spontaneous trips, I am very outgoing, I love watching kdrama, and trying new things. I have recently graduated from Grant Union Highschool and will be attending California State University of Sacramento in the fall. I’m excited to end my highschool journey and start college. I will be majoring in Biology. My long term goal is going to medical school or more school after getting my B.A. and pursuing optometry.
I am very excited to be back and be part of HESC again and hope everyone to be safe and healthy.
Hello Nyob zoo, my name is Stacy Lee. I have been attending HESC as a student for 4 years and been doing the internship for 3 years now. I took a break from this internship last summer 2019. My goal for HESC this year is to see students have some growth in the Hmong language and see the students have fun.
A little background about me is that I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. I am the third oldest child out of 11 and the oldest daughter. Some fun facts about me is that I love going on spontaneous trips, I am very outgoing, I love watching kdrama, and trying new things. I have recently graduated from Grant Union Highschool and will be attending California State University of Sacramento in the fall. I’m excited to end my highschool journey and start college. I will be majoring in Biology. My long term goal is going to medical school or more school after getting my B.A. and pursuing optometry.
I am very excited to be back and be part of HESC again and hope everyone to be safe and healthy.