Celebrating Leadership: Highlighting Yangmee Lor's Impact and Achievements
We are thrilled to highlight one of our esteemed board members, Yangmee Lor, whose exceptional leadership and dedication to community advocacy bring immense value to the National Lao-Hmong Memorial Foundation.
She is a prominent figure in the Colorado community, known for her relentless commitment to empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. She is a first-generation Hmong American woman, a domestic violence and suicide survivor who has channeled her experiences into creating meaningful change and fostering inclusivity.
Yangmee’s professional journey is marked by her extensive volunteer work and leadership roles. Her work includes event coordination, community engagement, and spearheading initiatives such as the Hmong Women Mental Health Equity Summit. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and has demonstrated exceptional skills in grant writing, Project Management, and community outreach. Her strategic initiatives and robust volunteer recruitment strategies have led to impactful changes in various communities.
Her legacy of service and resilience is deeply rooted in her family's history. Her maternal grandfather, Chong Yeng Xiong, was a member of the Special Guerrilla Units (SGU), and her paternal grandfather, Chia Chue Lor, served as a Field Guide. As a Field Guide, Chia Chue Lor waited in specific jungle locations where U.S. soldiers were dropped off, then led them on hikes back to their base. This heritage of bravery and guidance profoundly influences Yangmee's dedication to community leadership and support—it's where she gets her fighting spirit and willingness to lead, and perhaps a knack for navigating tricky terrain, both literally and figuratively.
Recognition/Work:
August 2020: Obtained $10,000 grant to initiate and train the first Hmong Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census in Colorado and worked across AANPHI communities to help ensure a complete and accurate count.
May 2021: Yangmee was listed by Asian Avenue Magazine as one of the top 100 AANHPI Americans to know in Denver. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to the community and her role as a key cultural advocate promoting visibility and advocacy with a focus on the local Hmong Community in Colorado.
August 2023: Obtained the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant to host Nyob Zoo Fest, the largest outdoor event for the Colorado Hmong community since the 1995 National Lao-Hmong Recognition event in Golden, Colorado, which was led by fellow NLHMF Board Member Yang Chee. Nyob Zoo Fest 2023 saw a remarkable turnout of over 3,000 Hmong community members, a significant portion of the Hmong population in Colorado, which is 4,530 according to the 2020 census.
February 2024: Yangmee was appointed by Colorado Governor, Jared Polis, to the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise Board of Directors. This role allows her to contribute to critical mental health support initiatives and enhance crisis intervention services across the state.
May 2024: Advisory Group Member for Colorado Lotus Project, A Statewide Look at the Strengths and Barriers Facing Colorado’s Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Communities.
Yangmee’s journey is filled with valuable lessons that she generously shares with the community. Here are some words from Yangmee: “Here are some key lessons I've picked up along the way: Resilience is everything, especially when tackling personal and professional challenges. Community engagement works best when you really listen and understand the unique needs of different groups. Strong partnerships and teamwork are crucial for any community initiative to succeed. Financial literacy is a game-changer; empowering underrepresented groups with this knowledge can lead to long-term success. And let's not forget mental health—raising awareness and providing support are essential for building a healthy, thriving community.”
Looking Forward:
We are excited to see the positive impact Yangmee Lor will continue to have on the National Lao-Hmong Memorial Foundation. Her passion for community service and her strategic vision align perfectly with our mission to honor and preserve the legacy of Lao-Hmong veterans. With her on our team, we are confident in our continued growth and success.
Stay tuned for more updates and news about our initiatives and events. Together, we can make a difference and honor the legacy of the Lao-Hmong SGUs.
For more information, visit our website at www.nlhmf.org. You can also visit us on Facebook.