Through her work supporting refugee and immigrant families, Bao Vang ’91 has long been a leader in Minnesota’s Hmong community. Vang has over two decades of leadership and management experience across business and government agencies, and was previously the president and chief executive officer of the Hmong American Partnership (HAP), a Hmong-led social service and community development nonprofit that serves over 25,000 immigrants and refugees across the Twin Cities. During her time at the helm, she succeeded in tripling HAP’s budget, allowing it to extend its impact even further. She has been recognized for her leadership and accomplishments as a 2019 St. Catherine University Alumnae Award winner.
Vang’s influence extends both municipally and nationally — among other awards, she was named one of Minnesota Monthly’s 75 Most Influential People in the Twin Cities in 2013 and was recognized as a Champion of Change by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Vang’s commitment to advocating for equality, empowering diverse communities, and inspiring others on their own journeys to leadership embodies perfectly the Katie spirit and serves as an example throughout Women’s History Month and beyond.