Hmong and Proud

Katie competes in Miss Hmong Minnesota

Vana Yang '13 was second runner-up in the Miss Hmong Minnesota pageant in fall 2011.

"This was an opportunity for me, a Hmong girl in college, to make a statement," says Yang, a business-to-business sales major. "I come from a very traditional family and patriarchal community, where it's still not common for women to pursue higher education or careers after high school."

Miss Hmong Minnesota is more than just a beauty contest, Yang insists. Contestants were an impressive mix of students and professionals, she says: "We're educated women here." -- Pauline Oo

Vana Yang '13