History
Learn more about the first professional nursing organization dedicated to Hmong nurses, advocating for and supporting communities nationwide.
The spirit of “Hmoob sib pab Hmoob”—Hmong helping Hmong—was the driving force behind the creation of a dedicated nursing association for Hmong nurses and the communities they serve.
In 2012, during the rise of social media, four strangers connected on Facebook with a shared vision: to establish a supportive space for Hmong nurses, empowering them to uplift one another while ultimately improving the well-being of their communities. What began as an online conversation quickly grew into a passionate movement, laying the foundation for what would become the Hmong Nurses Association (HNA).
Through collaboration, advocacy, and professional development, HNA continues to uphold its founding mission—fostering unity among Hmong nurses and making a lasting impact on healthcare and the communities they serve.
The early concepts and inspiration behind a logo.
HNA’s Legacy
2012: The concept of a professional nursing association
The Evolution of HNA’s Logo: Integrating Hmong-Inspired Symbols
At the time, there was no formal network dedicated to Hmong nurses, despite the growing number of Hmong professionals in healthcare. Four strangers, Mai Lee, BSN, RN, TNCC, Padao Yang, DNP, APRN, PMH-BC, Kao Kang Sha Yang, BSN, RN, and Kao Kang Kue Vang, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, CPHQ connected on Facebook, all searching for a supportive space where Hmong nurses could uplift one another. These founding members recognized the need for mentorship, advocacy, and a sense of community within the profession. Their vision was to create a platform that not only supported Hmong nurses in their careers but also empowered them to give back to the communities they served.
HNA made its debut in the community by hosting its first-ever health and first aid booth at the Fresno International Hmong New Year in Fresno, CA. Led by Mai Lee, BSN, RN, TNCC, this event marked a pivotal moment for the organization, as it highlighted the critical need for a professional network that could bridge the gap between the healthcare workforce and the Hmong community. Seeing firsthand the challenges and disparities in health education and access, HNA was further inspired to establish itself as a formal organization dedicated to advocacy, support, and professional development for Hmong nurses and the communities they serve.
December 2012: First Community Event
From Left to Right: Mai Lee, RN and Dr. Kao Kang Kue Vang, RN managing the Health and First Aid booth at the Fresno International New Year.
2016: Road to Incorporation
From Left to Right: Mai Lee, Dr. Padao Yang, Dr. Kao Kang Kue Vang, and Autumn Hawj, laying the foundation for HNA’s first future chapter.
After a long-awaited hiatus and extensive discussions on the needs of HNA, Mai Lee, BSN, RN, TNCC, Padao Yang, DNP, APRN, PMH-BC, and Kao Kang Kue Vang, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, CPHQ, made a firm commitment to incorporating HNA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To begin this process, they sought to expand their leadership team by recruiting dedicated nursing professionals who could help shape and strengthen HNA’s mission and vision.
Under their leadership, they successfully brought in Autumn Hawj, BSN, RN, a Labor and Delivery Nurse; Foua Vang, MSN, RN, a Medical-Surgical Oncology Nurse; and Pa Vang, MSN, RN, a Public Health Nurse. Together, this team laid the foundation for HNA’s growth, ensuring that the organization could continue to empower Hmong nurses while serving and advocating for the broader community.
2018: HNA is Officially Incorporated and Granted 501(c)(3) Status
Under the leadership of Mai Lee, BSN, RN, TNCC, Padao Yang, DNP, APRN, PMH-BC, Kao Kang Kue Vang, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, CPHQ, Autumn Hawj, BSN, RN, Pa Vang, MSN, RN, and Foua Vang, MSN, RN, the Hmong Nurses Association (HNA) was officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization on January 16, 2018, in the state of California. HNA unveiled its official logo and adopted its Bylaws on March 30, 2018, and received federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status on April 6, 2018.
September 16, 2018: Establishment of HNA’s Very First Chapter
From Left to Right: Autumn Hawj (HNA Executive Board of Advisor), Valerie Xiong, RN (Treasurer), Mandy Heu, RN (Secretary), Phillip Yang, RN (Vice President), May Lee, RN (President), and Mai Lee (HNA Executive Board of Advisor).
On September 16, 2018, HNA took a significant step forward by establishing its first official chapter, the Fresno Chapter, under the leadership of Padao Yang, DNP, APRN, PMH-BC. This milestone set the foundation for future chapters within the organization, expanding HNA’s reach and impact.
May Lee, RN served as the Fresno Chapter’s first president, alongside Phillip Yang, RN (Vice President), Mandy Heu, RN (Secretary), and Valerie Xiong, RN (Treasurer). Under their leadership, the chapter created numerous opportunities to support the Central Valley community by bringing nurses together to improve healthcare outcomes. Notably, the Fresno Chapter became the first to introduce scholarship opportunities for Hmong nursing students and professional nurses, helping them advance their education and careers.
March 23, 2019: Establishment of HNA’s First Wisconsin Chapter
From Left to Right: Chao Thao, RN (Treasurer), Pang Nya Yang, RN (Secretarty), Linda C. Xiong, RN (Vice-President) and Vang Thao-Xiong, RN (President).
On March 23, 2019, HNA expanded its presence by forming its first Wisconsin Chapter, marking another significant milestone in the organization’s growth. Under the leadership of Vang Thao-Xiong, RN (President), Linda C. Xiong , RN (Vice President), Pang Nya Yang, RN (Secretary), and Chao Thao, RN (Treasurer), the Wisconsin Chapter became a vital hub for Hmong nurses in the region.
With a commitment to professional development, community health advocacy, and mentorship, the HNA Wisconsin Chapter played a crucial role in supporting local nurses and strengthening healthcare initiatives within Wisconsin’s Hmong community. This chapter’s establishment further solidified HNA’s mission to unite and empower Hmong nurses nationwide.
March 24, 2019: Establishment of HNA’s Twin Cities Chapter
From Left to Right: Susan Vang, RN (Treasurer), Pashai Yang, RN (Secretary), Pangfua Yang, RN, Bettsy Yang, RN (Vice President), Karen Maikor Thao, RN (President), and Foua Vang, RN (HNA Executive Board of Advisor).
On March 24, 2019, HNA expanded to Minnesota with the formation of the Twin Cities Chapter, the first HNA chapter in the state. Led by Mai Kor Thao, RN (President), Bettsy Yang, RN (Vice President), Pa Shai Yang, RN (Secretary), and Susan Vang, RN (Treasurer), this chapter was created to serve Minnesota’s large Hmong population and address critical healthcare needs within the community.
The establishment of the Twin Cities Chapter marked a pivotal step in improving health and wellness among Hmong residents in Minnesota. Through professional development, mentorship, and community outreach, the chapter continues to advance HNA’s mission of supporting Hmong nurses and strengthening healthcare access for the Hmong community.
June 22, 2019: Establishment of HNA’s Sacramento Chapter
From Left to Right: Linda Thao, RN (Treasurer), Kristine Lee, RN (Secretary), Annie Thor, RN (Vice President), and Mercy Yang, RN (President).
On June 22, 2019, HNA expanded further in California with the formation of its second chapter, the Sacramento Chapter. Led by Mercy Yang, RN (President), Annie Thor, RN (Vice President), Kristin Lee, RN (Secretary), and Linda Thao, RN (Treasurer), this chapter was created to strengthen connections among Hmong American communities across the state.
By uniting nurses and healthcare professionals, the Sacramento Chapter plays a vital role in bridging healthcare gaps, promoting wellness, and fostering professional growth within the Hmong community in California.
On August 5-6, 2022, HNA made history by hosting the first-ever professional nursing conference developed by Hmong nurses. This groundbreaking event, themed “The Nursing Story Cloth: Reflecting on Our Past, Building Our Future,” marked a pivotal milestone in both Hmong and nursing history.
For the first time, Hmong nurses from across the country gathered to celebrate their shared heritage, exchange knowledge, and empower one another in their professional journeys. This historic conference not only recognized the contributions of Hmong nurses but also laid the foundation for future advancements in healthcare, leadership, and community impact within the Hmong American population.
August 5-6, 2022 – HNA Hosts the First-Ever Hmong Nursing Conference
Group Photo: Over 200 nurses gathered at the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, MN.
August 17, 2022: First Nationally Elected Officers of HNA
On August 17, 2022, HNA reached a major milestone by electing its first-ever National Leadership Team to oversee and manage the organization. Since its incorporation in 2018, HNA had been operated by its founding members, but this election marked the transition to a nationally governed structure, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
The newly elected officers for the 2023-2027 term included:
- Marie Thao-Ceballos, DNP, RNP – National President
- Diane Mua-Xiong, MSN, RN, PHN, CCRN-K – Vice President
- Song Lee, DNP, FNP-C – National Secretary
- Maybo Heu, MSN, MPH, FNP-C – National Treasurer
This leadership team was entrusted with guiding HNA’s mission, expanding its reach, and further strengthening the Hmong nursing community on a national level.
On November 1, 2023, HNA officially reannounced its National Officers following organizational transitions as members moved into new roles. These changes reflected HNA’s continued growth and adaptability in strengthening its leadership structure.
The 2023-2027 National Officers are now led by:
- May Hang, DNP, RN, FNP-BC – National President
- Diane Mua-Xiong, MSN, RN, PHN, CCRN-K – Vice President
- Jamie Yang, MS, BSN, RN, CCRN – National Treasurer
- Mia Yang, MSN, RN, FNP-C, FNP-BC – National Secretary
This leadership team is committed to advancing HNA’s mission, supporting Hmong nurses nationwide, and continuing to foster professional growth, mentorship, and healthcare advocacy within the Hmong community.
November 1, 2023: HNA Announces New National Leadership Team
August 3-4, 2024: HNA Hosts 2nd National Nursing Conference
On August 3-4, 2024, HNA held its 2nd National Nursing Conference at Sacramento State, themed: “From Mountain to Milestones: 50 Years of Hmong in the USA.” This event marked a significant moment in HNA’s history, reflecting on the past five decades of the Hmong experience in the United States and the role of Hmong nurses in shaping the future of healthcare.
Under the leadership of Diane Mua-Xiong, MSN, RN, PHN, CCRN-K (National Vice President) and Mercy Yang, MSN, RN, FNP (Sacramento Treasurer), the conference successfully brought together over 200 nurses from across the nation. Discussions centered on the impact of 50 years in the U.S. and how Hmong nurses can drive change in the communities they live and serve.
A highlight of the conference was a keynote speech by Anne Fadiman, author of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, a groundbreaking book on Hmong culture and healthcare disparities.
For the first time ever, HNA introduced a Youth Summit Program, pairing conference-attending nurses with 20 local youth (ages 9-18) interested in nursing. On Sunday, August 4, 2024, afternoon, at the Sacramento State School of Nursing simulation lab, mentors and faculty guided youth participants in hands-on demonstrations, including taking vital signs such as blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.
This conference solidified HNA’s commitment to education, mentorship, and community impact, paving the way for future generations of Hmong healthcare professionals.
On August 3, 2024, history was made with the debut of the Hmong Secret War Nurses: The Origin Story Exhibition brought to life by Dr. May Hang (National President). This groundbreaking exhibition honors and preserves the brave and courageous efforts of the young Hmong women who became nurses during the Vietnam War, also known as the Secret War.
These women served under extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances, providing critical medical care in war-torn regions with limited resources. Their resilience and dedication laid the foundation for Hmong nurses today, making their untold stories an essential part of Hmong history.
The Secret War Nurse Exhibition is now being developed for showcasing at major Hmong community events nationwide, ensuring that the legacy of these Hmong Nurse Nightingales is never forgotten.
August 3, 2024: Debut of the Secret War Nurse Exhibition
December 24, 2024: HNA Establishes the Nurse Honor Guard
Wisconsin Hmong Nurses honoring Yia Heu Yang in the Nurse Honor Guard Ceremony.
Under the leadership of Kao Kang Kue Vang, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, CPHQ, HNA launched the Nurse Honor Guard, a program dedicated to honoring retired and fallen nurses and nursing students for their unwavering dedication to the nursing profession.
The first-ever Nurse Honor Guard ceremony was held on December 28, 2024, to pay tribute to one of Hmong Nursing’s “Magnificent Seven” Secret War Nurses, Yia Heu Yang. This solemn and honorable ceremony recognized her lifelong service, sacrifice, and contributions to the healthcare field, ensuring that her legacy—and the legacy of all Hmong nurses—will be remembered for generations to come.
The HNA Nurse Honor Guard will continue to provide this meaningful tribute to nurses who have devoted their lives to caring for others, preserving the honor, tradition, and impact of the nursing profession.
Support our Mission
Hmong Nurses Association is dedicated to empowering, educating, and advocating for Hmong nurses and the communities they serve. Through mentorship, scholarships, professional development, and cultural preservation, we strive to bridge healthcare gaps and uplift the next generation of Hmong healthcare professionals.
Your support helps us continue our mission to strengthen the Hmong nursing community, honor our history, and improve health outcomes for Hmong families nationwide.
Join us in making a difference! Become a member or contribute to our cause today.