Reflections from HND Conference 2025: We Rise, United.
If you’ve never heard of or attended a Hmong National Development (HND) Conference, let me be the first to tell you—you are truly missing out on one of the most inspiring gatherings of our Hmong community. This year’s conference, held in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was by far the best yet.
Video by Francis Mack | MackVisualFilms
Music by Phong Yang
For years, HND has brought together Hmong educators, authors, entrepreneurs, artists, students, and leaders from across the country. It’s a space where we come to learn, connect, uplift, and build—together. And this year, it was more than just a conference. It was a reunion, a launchpad, and a message to the resilience and brilliance of our people for the last 50 years.
“HND isn’t just an educational event—it’s a celebration of who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re boldly headed.”
The Minnesota Vibe
This year’s host city was truly fitting. As someone born and raised in Wisconsin, educated in California, and now based in Minnesota, I can confidently say—Minnesota shows up for the Hmong community. From Hmong schools and vibrant markets to creative entrepreneurs and all Hmong businesses, Minnesota reminds us that we are thriving, innovative, and deeply rooted. The early-arrival bus tours, I believed were co-hosted by Hmong American Partnership (HAP), gave attendees a firsthand look at Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA), Hmong Village, and other local gems that showcase our cultural presence.
The Experience
As both an attendee and a media guest, I arrived early Wednesday for registration and to settle in at the Hilton Minneapolis—the same hotel that hosted HND’s very first MN conference years ago. The moment I stepped in, I could feel the energy: professional, welcoming, and full of anticipation. We were greeted with warm smiles, light Hmong inspired refreshments, and fruits provided by Mo’s Tropical—a local MN wholesaler for many stores in Minnesota.
President and CEO May yer Thao kicked off the conference alongside community leaders and sponsors, setting the tone for a weekend filled with purpose, passion, and power.
The APP
We were also introduced to the newly developed HND app—brilliantly designed by May yer’s husband—which allowed us to build our own schedules, find sessions, and stay connected throughout the conference. It was such a thoughtful tool that enhanced our entire experience.
Sessions
Workshops covered many topics—Hmong food and wellness, marketing, AI, cultural preservation, queer and trans advocacy, art, storytelling, poems, problem-solving, and more. Sessions lasted 75 minutes each, giving us enough time to really dive deep. Some of my personal highlights included:
A powerful Kwv Txhiaj session
A intense Pitch Competition
A communicative problem-solving course
Health and nutrition conversations
Plenary sessions on AAPI growth, 50 years of Hmong in America, and investing in our future
Every session left me inspired. And the truth is—there were giants in every room. Elders, trailblazers, and changemakers who have spent decades building and lifting our community. All you had to do was introduce yourself, and suddenly you were in conversation with someone extraordinary.
HNDC 2025 & Rise & Thrive Business Pitch Competition
The Vibe
This year, we were blessed with a conference anthem—“We Are One”—written by Misty Her, Fresno Unified’s Newest Superintendent and performed by Phong Yang of Paradise, Pagnia Xiong, Douachi Yang, and a children's choir led by Seng Lor. When they performed it live, it empowered the room. It was a song that wrapped us in unity, hope, and pride.
🎥 Video by Khue Horacio Lor | FILMTROVERSE Productions
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony, masterfully curated by Dr. Kevin Xiong, was unforgettable. From the Parade of Hmong trailblazers to traditional dances, qeej performers, Kwv Txhiaj, saxophone performances by Shashee Yang that moved me to tears—it captured where we stand today as a people: bold, beautiful, and grounded in tradition.
Video Credit: 3HMONGTV
Impact Awards
The Leadership Awards Banquet on Friday was was also a major part of the conference. It honored major sponsors, awarded change-makers, and celebrated pitch competition winners and community activists who are shaping the next chapter of Hmong legacy. It was emotional, energizing, and deeply affirming.
Pader Xiong, Nancy Xiong, Pa Chia Xiong, Kalina Vang, Nakita Vang, Pagnia Xiong, & Pa Kou Xiong
All artists in our own way.
To say it was an honor to attend is an understatement. HND 2025 was truly unforgettable—an experience that made me proud to be Hmong, proud to be part of this moment, and hopeful for our collective future.
We are more than our stories of struggle.
We are visionaries, healers, innovators, and artists.
We are one.
Thank you for reading my HND experience.
All Photos Captured by Pa Chia Xiong
Hmong National Development 2025, Minneapolis, MN.
To learn more, please visit: https://hndinc.org
To see more visuals: https://www.facebook.com/HmongNationalDevelopment/
