HMong Economic Advancement Research Equity (HERE) Conference Wins Diversity and Inclusion Award

HMong American Economic Leadership Development won the Momentum West’s Diversity and Inclusion award for the 2022 HERE Conference to help HMong entrepreneurs looking to start a business, scale their business, increase awareness for HMong and ethnic populations, and advocate for policymakers to seek more equitable solutions. 

“The tireless efforts of the HMong American Economic Leadership Development team continue to make a profound impact on the communities they serve. The HERE conference was a perfect opportunity to help educate the HMong community about non-traditional wealth-building opportunities that will help families build greater wealth equity,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. 

“Our organization believes in the power of collective advocacy, leadership development, and access to resources to create positive change and address systemic barriers that impact Hmong and Asian Americans and marginalized communities,” said Mai Xiong, Executive Director of HALED & Board President.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin Hosted the Inaugural HMong Economic Advancement Research Equity (HERE) Conference

Organized by the HMong American Leadership and Economic Development (HALED), the HERE Conference consisted of a two-day hybrid conference and a one-day summit where speakers and participants focused on professional development and cultural competencies for entrepreneurs, community members, business professionals, and policymakers. Speakers included experienced leaders from HMong and ethnic communities who discussed their shared experiences as ethnic business owners. 

The conference helped HMong and other ethnic entrepreneurs gain insight into how to build wealth equity by exploring non-traditional wealth-building models. The conference was well attended and widely hailed as a success.

The HERE Conference achieved its goals of empowering HMong entrepreneurs and ethnic communities by offering them a diverse range of non-traditional wealth-building models. By promoting collective advocacy, leadership development, and access to resources, the conference has successfully addressed systemic barriers that have hindered the progress of marginalized communities.

“We are committed to achieving our vision of a thriving community where everyone can be socially and economically prosperous regardless of background or identity. Through various programs and resources, including leadership development, advocacy, and access to resources, we actively work towards achieving our mission and have a track record of success in creating meaningful impact in the community,” noted Mai Xiong.

When asked why being a part of Momentum West can help HMong American-led organizations in Wisconsin, Executive Director Mai Xiong said, “Being a part of Momentum West provided the HMong American-led organization with access to valuable resources, collaborative opportunities, increased visibility, and advocacy and representation. These benefits can help support your organization’s growth and success in West Central Wisconsin by offering resources and support services, promoting your organization, providing a platform for collaboration, and advocating for your interests and concerns.”

Learn more about HMong American Economic Leadership Development Team on their website.