GREEN BAY – “I am Hmong. I was born in Sacramento, Calif. Then, my family moved to Appleton, where I grew up most of my life,” recalled Future 15 Finalist Mai Nu Vang.
“My parents divorced when I was in middle school and I lived with my grandparents on my dad’s side throughout my highschool years. By the time I was ready for college, I had saved enough money to put myself through driving school, get my first car, and move out to live in my first apartment by myself.
“About eight years ago, I moved to Green Bay. I got engaged and now live in Green Bay with a beautiful baby boy of seven months and my husband Xue.
“Both my mom and dad have always worked hard in their life for my siblings and I. They did the best they could moving across a whole ocean to a new country; starting a new life from nothing; and doing their best to survive and thrive.
“I was the first in my family to go to college and graduate with a double major in education (grades 1-8) and ESL education (grades K-12) complemented with a triple minor in math, science and Bilingual-Hmong. I taught Hmong literacy and culture for over four years in the Hmong Summer School Language courses.
“Due to my love for learning, I continued my higher education by earning a masters in human services leadership.
She is currently employed with the Green Bay Area Public School system.
“I currently teach middle school in a variety of subjects. I coached soccer for six years and help to advise the Asian Clubs at both the middle and high school levels. At the district level, I help to execute and take part in the planning committees to help with events like the APIDA Summit, Community Showcase, and the Hmong New Year,” Mai added.
She also serves on the board of directors as the secretary for ACEL-NEW — an Asian Professional Nonprofit Organization.
“Due to my passion with the youth, I recently established a nonprofit called Maiv Passion Foundation, Ltd. to help elevate Hmong youth in areas of academic, athletics, culture and the performing arts. One of our first programs is Nkauj Zaj Dance Academy, a hmong dance group with the vision to provide a safe and nurturing environment that fosters education, growth, creativity, sisterhood and cultural preservation through the performing arts,” Mai added.
Leading up to the 2025 Future 15 & Young Professionals Awards banquet on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Oneida Casino Hotel, we will be highlighting the finalists in each edition of the Press Times.
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