KiaVang President HmongAmerican AssociationofColorado
AMESSAGE
FROMTHEHMONGAMERICANASSOCIATIONOFCOLORADOPRESIDENT
DearFriends,Supporters,andMembersoftheColoradoHmongCommunity,
Whatanextraordinaryyear2024hasbeenfortheHmongAmerican AssociationofColorado!Reflectingontheincrediblemilestonesandevents we’veaccomplishedtogetherfillsmewithimmensegratitudeandpride.
In2024,HMAAChostedtwoofourmostcherishedandsuccessfulevents:the annualSummerFestivalandtheColoradoHmongNewYearCelebration.The SummerFestivalbroughtourcommunitytogetheratRiverdaleRegionalPark foraweekendofsportstournaments,food,craftvendors,andvibrantlive entertainment.Itwasheartwarmingtoseefamiliesandfriendsgather, celebrate,andstrengthenthebondsthattieusalltogether.
Thisyear’sColoradoHmongNewYearcelebrationmarkedarecord-breaking success.Withover3,000attendees,thiscelebrationshowcasedthebestof ourHmongheritagewithfood,vendors,liveperformances,andacornhole tournament.Theproceedsfromthiseventwilldirectlysupportourflagship
programs,includingtheHmongLanguageProgram,HMAACDanceAcademy,theSummerFestivaland upcomingprogramsandactivities.
2024wasalsomarkedbyincrediblemomentsofculturalrepresentationandoutreach.FromourDance Academy'sperformancesatcommunityeventslikeWestminsterAcademy’sInternationalNightandthe AsianGirlsIgniteHolidaySoirée,toeducationalpresentationsandfundraisers,HMAAChasbeenaproud ambassadorofHmongcultureandtraditions.
NoneofthiswouldhavebeenpossiblewithoutthededicationofourHMAACteam,Board,volunteers,donors, andcommunitymemberswhohavegiventheirtime,energy,andresourcestosupportourmission. Together,we’veachievedmorethanwecouldhaveimaginedandlaidastrongfoundationforaneven brighterfuture.
Aswelookaheadto2025,Iamfilledwithexcitementabouttheopportunitiestoexpandourprograms, deepenourcommunityimpact,andcontinuehonoringtherichcultureandheritageoftheHmongpeople. Alongsidetheseefforts,wearemakingsignificantchangestostrengthenournonprofitorganizationand propelourmissionforward.
Iamthrilledtoannounceamajorstepinourgrowth:thehiringofanExecutiveDirectortoguideourprogress. ItismygreatpleasuretointroduceKareyCha,previouslyourResource&ProgramDevelopmentOfficer,as HMAAC’snewExecutiveDirector.Kareybringsawealthofexperienceanddedicationtothisrole,andIam confidentinherabilitytoleadusintoabrightfuture.
Additionally,IamproudtosharethatKevinYang,whopreviouslyservedasourSecretary,hasbeen appointedasHMAAC’snewVicePresident.Kevin’sleadershipandcommitmenthavebeeninstrumentalin oursuccess,andIlookforwardtohiscontinuedcontributionsinthisexpandedrole.
Withtheseleadershipappointments,wearealsopreparingtofillseveralvacantpositionsontheBoardand withintheHMAACteam.Theseopportunitiesrepresentachanceforpassionateindividualstojoinusin creatingmeaningfulchangeandsupportingthepositiveimpactHMAACismakinginourcommunity.
Moredetailsabouttheseorganizationalupdateswillbesharedinthecomingmonths.Ihopethatyou—our Hmongcommunityandvaluedstakeholders—willstayengagedandjoinusinshapingavibrantand impactfulfutureforHMAAC.Together,wecanachievegreatthings!
Withheartfeltappreciation, KiaVang
Promoting,uniting, andstrengthening theHmong communitiesin Coloradothrough cultural,social andeducational activities.
ABOUTHMAAC
THEHMONGAMERICANASSOCIATIONOFCOLORADO
TheHmongAmericanAssociationofColorado(HMAAC)wasfounded in1992withthepurposeofservingandupliftingtheHmong communityacrossthestate.Sinceitsinception,HMAAChasbeen dedicatedtopromotingculturalpreservation,fosteringsocialand economicopportunities,andcreatingpathwaysforeducationand integrationwithinthebroaderColoradocommunity.
HMAACoffersavarietyofprogramsandservicesthataddressthe uniqueneedsoftheHmongpopulation.TheseincludetheDance Academy,whichprovidesyouthandyoungadultswithopportunities toconnectwiththeirculturalrootsthroughtraditionalHmongdance, andtheLanguageProgram,designedtohelpindividualslearnand preservetheirabilitytospeak,read,andwriteinHmong.Translation services,activitiesfortheelderly,andotherresourceprogramsfurther supportthecommunitybyensuringaccesstoessentialtoolsand opportunitiesforpersonalandcollectivegrowth.Throughtheseefforts, HMAACcontinuestobeapillarofsupportandculturalenrichmentfor theHmongcommunityinColorado.
Mission
Promote,unite,andstrengthentheHmongcommunitiesinColorado throughcultural,social,andeducationalactivities.
Vision
AthrivingandunitedHmongcommunityinColorado.
Values
1.Preserve:Westrivetopreservecultureandhistorythrough educationalprogramsandactivities.
2.Educate:OurobjectiveistohelptheHmongcommunityto strengthenandimprovethequalityoflifeandtoenhancethe growthanddevelopmentofthecommunitytofocusoneducation advancementandsocio-economicopportunities.
3.Integrate:Actingasabridge,westrivetoprovideHMAAC’sbest qualityservicestoinspireandactasagatewaytounitediverse communities.
OrganizationalGoals
1.Promotesocial,economic,cultural,andeducationalsuccess.
2.PreserveanddevelopHmongtraditionandculture.
3.Networkwithvariousgovernmentandcommunityorganizations.
4.Establishprogramsandprovideservicestothepublic.
KiaVang President kia@hmongassociationco.org
KevinYang VicePresident kevin@hmongassociationco.org
TiffanyXiong
DanceAcademyCreativeDirector tiffany@hmongassociationco.org
2025BoardofDirectors
LeeCha
HuechyVang
JaydonThao
2024BoardofDirectors
LeeCha
HuechyVang
DavidLee
HouaLee
KyleVue
KareyCha ExecutiveDirector
karey@hmongassociationco.org
TraceYang
HmongLanguage&CultureDirector trace@hmongassociationco.org
2025ProgramSupport
JaydonThao,DanceCoordinator
PattyYang,DanceCoordinator
SerenityKiatoukaysi,YouthLeadershipProgramCoordinator (HmongStudentAssociation)
2024Officers
KiaVang,President
PhongNgialah,VicePresident
HousheKiatoukaysy,Treasurer
KevinYang,Secretary
TiffanyXiong,PublicRelationsCoordinator
KareyCha,Resource&ProgramDevelopmentOfficer
TraceYang,Outreach&LanguageCultureSpecialist
PROGRAMS,SERVICES&EVENTS
HMAAC’sprograms,servicesandeventshavebecomevitaltouchstonesfortheHmong communityinColorado.Eachyear,wehostthemuch-anticipatedHmongNewYearcelebration,a vibranteventthatshowcasestraditionalclothing,music,anddancewhileprovidingaspacefor communityconnectionandpride.OurworkshopsandculturalexhibitionsbringHmongtraditions tolife,creatingasenseofcontinuityandbelongingforallgenerations.
Inadditiontoculturalevents,HMAACofferspracticalprogramsdesignedtomeettheneedsofthe community.Fromtheyouth-focusedDanceAcademytoourlanguageclassesaimedat preservingHmongliteracy,weprovideavenuesforgrowthandconnection.Elderlyactivitiescreate opportunitiesforseniorcommunitymemberstoengageandconnect,whiletranslationservices andresourceprogramsensureallHmongindividualscannavigateessentialserviceswith confidence.Theseinitiativesunderscoreourcommitmenttopreservingculturewhileempowering individualstothriveintoday’sworld.
PURPOSE&GOALS
Preserve:Westrivetopreservecultureandhistorythrougheducationalprogramsandactivities.
Educate:OurobjectiveistohelptheHmongcommunitytostrengthenandimprovethequalityof lifeandtoenhancethegrowthanddevelopmentofthecommunitytofocusoneducation advancementandsocio-economicopportunities.
Integrate:Actingasabridge,westrivetoprovideHMAAC’sbestqualityservicestoinspireandact asagatewaytounitediversecommunities.
PROGRAMS&EVENTS
HMAACDanceAcademy(YearRoundProgram)
TheHMAACDanceAcademyprovidesanengagingplatformfor youthandyoungadultstoimmersethemselvesintraditional Hmongdance.Thisprogramnotonlyteachesavarietyofdance stylesbutalsoservesasabridgetoconnectyounger generationswiththeirculturalheritage.Throughdance, participantsbuildconfidence,formlastingfriendships,and deepentheirconnectiontothecommunity.Theprogram encouragesboysandgirlstoembracetheirculturalrootswhile developingskillsthatwillenrichtheirpersonalandsociallives.
HmongLanguageProgram(SpringProgram)
TheHmongLanguageProgramisacornerstoneofHMAAC’s missiontopreservetherichlinguisticheritageoftheHmong people.Launchedasanewinitiative,theprogramequips individualswithessentialskillsinspeaking,reading,andwriting Hmong.Byfosteringasenseofprideandconnectiontotheir roots,theprogramempowersparticipantstocommunicate effectivelywithinthecommunityandbeyond.HMAACis committedtoexpandingthisprogramtomeetthegrowing demandandensurethatfuturegenerationscontinueto celebrateandpreservetheHmonglanguage.
ColoradoHmongNewYear (HeldAnnuallyinNovember)
TheColoradoHmongNewYearisasignatureeventthatbrings theHmongcommunityandfriendstogethertocelebrate Hmongcultureandheritage.Featuringliveentertainment, traditionalmusicanddance,vibrantculturalattire,andavariety ofvendorsofferingcraftsandauthenticHmongcuisine,this annualeventisacornerstoneofcommunitypride.COHNYis morethanjustacelebration—itisaplatformforcultural exchange,unity,andthepreservationofrichtraditionspassed downthroughgenerations.
SummerFestival(HeldAnnuallyinJune)
TheSummerFestivalisafamily-friendlyeventthatinvitesthe Hmongcommunitytocometogetherforadayoffun, connection,andoutdooractivities.Thefestivalincludessports tournaments,craftvendors,deliciousfood,andlivemusicand entertainment.Designedtoengageallages,theSummer Festivalfosterscommunityspiritandprovidesaspacefor familiestocreatelastingmemorieswhilecelebratingHmong cultureinarelaxed,vibrantatmosphere.
5,000+ hmongresidents incolorado
22dancers
16 Enrolledinhmong Languageclass students enrolledinhmong danceacademy
80+ engagedforallprograms, events&activities volunteers
2,140+volunteerhours
3,000+ cohnyattendees
$35,081 raisedfromCOHNYto fund2025programs &events
2023-2024HMAACACTIVITIES
ThaoFamilyGoFundMe Fundraiser(October2023)
OnAugust12,2023,KiaPao (YangPao)ThaoandMeeThao sufferedagreatmisfortuneand losttheirhouseinafire.KiaPao andMeehavebeenanintegral partofourColoradoHmong communityfordecadesasone ofourprimaryHmongfood vendorsandcateredmany communityevents.Inaneffort tosupporttheThaofamily, HMAACorganizedaGoFundMe fundraisertoraise$5,715and givebacktoKiaPaoandMee Thao.
HmongNationalDevelopment ConferenceinMinnesota (October2023)
OnOctober27-29,2023, PresidentKiaVang,attended theHmongNational DevelopmentConferencein Minnesotarepresentingthe HmongAmericanAssociation ofColorado.TheHmong NationalDevelopment Conference(HNDC)isthe premiernationalgatheringfor Hmongpeopleacrossthe UnitedStates,bringingtogether communityleaders, professionals,entrepreneurs, students,andadvocates.The conferenceservesasa platformtoaddresscritical issuessuchaseconomic empowerment,education, leadershipdevelopment,and culturalpreservationwithinthe Hmongcommunity.
HmongCulturalPresentation withtheAsianChamberof
Commerce (November2023)
OnNovember2,2023,the HMAACteampresenteda HmongCulturepresentationin partnershipwiththeAsian ChamberofCommerceforthe broadercommunitytolearn aboutHmongculturethrough dance,music,food,andstories.
FundraiserattheHmong CoupleParty(November2023)
OnNovember11,2023,the HMAACteamattendedthe HmongCouplePartyandsold flowersattheeventasa fundraiserforHMAAC,raising over$120.
ColoradoHmongNewYear (November25-26,2023)
OnNovember25-26,2023, HMAAChostedtheColorado HmongNewYearcelebration. Historically,thiscommunity eventwashostedbytwo designatedHmongclansona rotatingbasis.Itwasdecidedin early2023thatthischerished communityeventwouldbe transferredovertoHMAAC,a localnonprofitorganization madeupofmembers representingallHmongclans andcommunitymembers,to organize.
ColoradoAANHPIHoliday Reception(December2023)
OnDecember7,2023,the HMAACteamattendedthe AANHPIHolidayReceptionand FundraiserorganizedbyAPABA. KiaVang,President,spokeon behalfoftheHMAACand sharedinformationonour communityeventsand programs.HMAACdonated $150towardsprovidingholiday giftstoAsianseniorsinneed.
Nuggetsvs.KingsNBAgame LunarNewYearCelebration (February2024)
TheHMAACteamattendthe Nuggetsvs.KingsNBAgameon February14,2024,tosupportthe specialhighlightoftheLunar NewYearcelebration.
HMAACDanceAcademy Launch(April2024)
InApril2024,HMAACproudly launcheditsinauguralDance Academyundertheleadership ofTiffanyXiong.Theacademy welcomed22girlswho embracedtheopportunityto learntraditionalHmongdance. Throughouttheyear,these talentedyoungdancers showcasedtheirskillsand culturalpridebyperformingat numerouscommunityevents, enrichingeachoccasionwith thebeautyofHmongheritage.
HmongLanguageProgram SecondGraduatingClass(May 2024)
InMay2024,theHmong LanguageProgramcelebrated thegraduationofitssecond class,with16students successfullycompletingthe program.LedbyTraceYang, thisinitiativecontinuesto empowerparticipantswith essentialHmonglanguageskills whilefosteringadeeper connectiontotheircultural heritage.
SummerFestival(June22-23, 2024)
OnJune22-23,2024,HMAAC hosteditsannualSummer FestivalatRiverdaleRegional Park.Theeventfeatured volleyballandcornhole tournaments,avarietyoffood andcraftvendors,andvibrant liveentertainment,bringingthe communitytogetherfora weekendoffunand celebration.
NationalHmongNewYearDay Meeting(July20,2024)
OnJuly20,2024,PresidentKia Vangvirtuallyattendeda meetingattendedbyHmong representativesacrossthe nationtodiscussthe establishmentofaHmongNew YearDay.
MidAutumnFestival (September2024)
OnSeptember21,2024,the HMAACteam,alongwiththe HMAACDanceAcademy, participatedintheFarEast CenterMid-AutumnFestival. Theyengagedwithattendees toshareinformationabout HMAACandHmongculture whilecaptivatingtheaudience withvibranttraditionaldance performances.
HMAACDanceAcademy PerformanceatWestminster AcademyofInternational Studies(November2024)
TheHMAACDanceAcademy hadtheprivilegeofperforming atInternationalNighthostedby WestminsterInternational Academy.Duringthisspecial event,theperformersproudly showcasedtheirHmongdance traditions,demonstratingtheir skill,dedication,and commitmenttopreservingand
sharingtherichnessofHmong culturethroughtheir captivatingperformances.
2024HMAACCommunity Survey
(November19December1,2024)
Toassistincreatingastrategic planforHMAAC,theteam launchedacommunitysurvey aimedatgatheringinsightsinto theneedsanddesiresofthe community.Thesurvey received239responsesovera two-weekperiod.
ColoradoHmongNewYear (November30-December1, 2024)
HMAAChostedtheannual ColoradoHmongNewYearon November30-December1, 2024,featuringacelebrationof cultureandhistory,food& vendors,andliveperformances, alongwithacornhole tournament.Thishighly anticipatedcommunityevent drewover3,000attendees acrossthetwo-dayweekend. 2024markedarecord-breaking year,withthehighestnumber ofattendeesandrevenuefrom ticketandtablesales.Proceeds fromtheeventhelpfund HMAAC’sotherprogramsand initiativessuchastheLanguage Program,DanceAcademyand SummerFestival.
AsianGirlsIgniteHoliday Social (December2024)
OnDecember7,2024,HMAAC proudlyparticipatedinthe annualAsianGirlsIgniteHoliday Soirée,avibrantcelebrationof connection,culture,and community.Thetalented dancersfromtheHMAAC DanceAcademyperformed traditionaldancesforan audienceofover120attendees.
Additionally,ourOutreach& LanguageCultureSpecialist, TraceYang,spokeattheevent andsharedherheartfeltstory aboutcookingHmongfoodas awaytonurtureloveandbuild meaningfulconnections.
AAHNPIHolidayReception& Fundraiser(December2024)
OnDecember11,2024,the HMAACteamattendedthe AANHPIHolidayReceptionand FundraiserorganizedbyAPABA. TiffanyXiong,PublicRelations Coordinator,spokeonbehalfof theHMAACandshared informationonourcommunity eventsandprograms.HMAAC donated$150towards providingholidaygiftstoAsian seniorsinneed.Thiseventwas alsoagreatnetworking opportunityfortheHMAAC teamtolearnaboutand connectwithothercommunity partnersandorganizationsthat supportnonprofitssuchas HMAACinmovingtheirmission forward.
DenverMayorOpenHouse (December2024)
PresidentKiaVanghadthe pleasureofattendingthe Governor’sMansionHoliday OpenHouseonDecember15, 2024.Theeventprovideda wonderfulopportunityto connectwithnew acquaintancesandreconnect withfamiliarfacesinthevibrant holidayatmosphere.
2024HMAACFINANCIALSUMMARY
HMAACisproudtoreportthatweareina stableandpositivefinancialposition. Throughstrategicplanning,prudent resourcemanagement,andthe generosityofourcommunityand stakeholders,weareoperatingwitha surplus—wellwithinourbudget.Thissolid financialfoundationenablesustosustain ourprograms,events,andinitiatives, ensuringimpactfulservicetotheHmong communityinColoradowhilepreparing forlong-termgrowthandfuture opportunities.
HMAACContributionstoOtherCommunityPartners: PabNeeg- $500
HMAACsponsored$500toPabNeeg,anonprofitorganization,towardsorganizingtheHmong WomenLeadsummitinJune2024.
CACEN- $500
HMAACdonated$500toCACEN,anonprofitorganization,forthedevelopmentofacommunity centerservingAsianAmericancommunitiesintheDenverMetroarea.
AANHPI-$500
Inboth2023and2024,HMAACdonated$150totheAANHPIHolidayFundraisertoprovidegiftsto low-incomeAsianAmericanSeniors.
HMAACStrategicPlan
InearlyJanuary,HMAACwasawardedaTechnicalAssistancegrantfromthe Bonfils-StantonFoundationtoengageaconsultanttoguidethedevelopmentof astrategicplanforthenext3-4years.Thisplanwillincorporateinsightsfromthe 2024CommunitySurveythatwasconductedduringtheColoradoHmongNew Yearwhichresultedin239responses,andwillinvolveongoingengagementwith theHmongcommunitythroughmeetingsanddiscussionstoensurealignment withcommunityneeds.
SecureNewFundingOpportunities
TheHMAACteamisdedicatedtoidentifyingandpursuingnewfundingavenues tosustainandgrowkeyinitiativessuchastheDanceAcademyandtheHmong LanguageProgram.Ourstrategyincludesapplyingforadditionalgrants,building communitypartnerships,securingmajorgiftdonors,andfindingtitlesponsorsfor events.Wealsoplantohosttargetedfundraisingeventstorallysupportforour programsandexpandtheirimpactacrosstheColoradoHmongcommunity.
ExpansionofExistingPrograms
HMAACisfocusedonenhancingitsflagshipprograms,suchastheDance AcademyandtheHmongLanguageProgram,toprovideevengreater opportunitiesforparticipants.Theexpansionincludesintroducingnewcurriculum components,increasingaccessthroughadditionalclasslocations,and incorporatingadvancedresourcestomeetthediverseneedsoftheHmong community.Byinvestingintheseinitiatives,HMAACaimstobroadenitsreach andimpact,ensuringthatculturalpreservationandeducationaladvancement remainattheforefrontofitsmission.
CommunityOutreachEfforts&Partnerships
Recognizingtheimportanceofcollaboration,HMAACcontinuestostrengthenties withlocalorganizations,schools,andgovernmentagenciestobetterservethe Hmongcommunity.ThesepartnershipsenableHMAACtohostmoreinclusive events,secureadditionalresources,andexpanditsservicestoreach underservedpopulations.Throughtargetedoutreachefforts,HMAACseeksto engagewiththebroadercommunity,raisingawarenessofHmongculturewhile fosteringaspiritofmutualunderstandingandcooperation.
NewHMAACWebsite
TheHMAACteamiscurrentlyintheprocessofredesigningitswebsitetoserveas acomprehensiveresourceforcommunitymembers.Theupdatedplatformwill includedetailedinformationaboutHMAAC’sprograms,services,andevents, creatingacentralizedhubwherecommunitymemberscaneasilyaccess everythingtheyneed.ThisredesignreflectsHMAAC’scommitmenttoimproving accessibilityandensuringthatallmembersoftheHmongcommunityfeel supportedandinformed.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS&PARTNERSHIPS
WeextendourheartfeltgratitudetoourBoardofDirectorsandOfficersfortheirunwavering passion,dedication,andcommitmenttoHMAAC’smission.Asavolunteer-ledorganization,these individualscontributecountlesshourstoensureourprogramsandeventscontinuetothrive, servingtheColoradoHmongcommunitywithpurposeandintegrity.
2024ColoradoHmongNewYearPlanningCommittee
KevinYang,Co-Chair
LindaBeeLo,Co-Chair
KiaVang,Secretary&VendorCoordinator
HousheKiatoukaysy,Treasurer
Additionally,wewanttorecognizeandthankallourvolunteerswhosehardworkandenthusiasm makeourprogramsandeventspossible.Yourcontinuedsupportanddedicationplayavitalrole inthesuccessofourinitiatives.Withouttheinvaluablecontributionsofourvolunteers,wecouldnot achievethemilestonesthatenrichandstrengthenourcommunity.
FrancisYang,CornholeTournamentCoordinator
ChouaLy,DecorationCoordinator
TraceYang,CommunityLiaison
PhongNgialah,VolunteerCoordinator
KareyCha,Grants&SponsorshipsCoordinator
TiffanyXiong,EntertainmentCoordinator
PattyYang,EntertainmentCoordinator
JaydonThao,EntertainmentCoordinator
LeeCha,HMAACBoardMember
HuechyVang,HMAACBoardMember
DavidLee,HMAACBoardMember
HouaLee,HMAACBoardMember
ToOurBelovedCommunity,
Aswereflectonanotherremarkableyear,wearedeeply gratefulforthesupport,passion,anddedicationthateachof youbringstotheHmongAmericanAssociationofColorado. Whetherthroughattendingevents,volunteering,donating,or sharingourmissionwithothers,yourcontributionshave madeaprofoundimpactonoursharedjourney.
Together,wearepreservingourrichheritage,empowering futuregenerations,andbuildingbridgesthatconnectusto oneanotherandthebroadercommunity.Noneofthiswould bepossiblewithoutyou,andwearehonoredtowalk alongsideyouinthisjourneyofculturalpreservation, education,andunity.
ThankyouforbelievinginHMAACandforhelpingusmakea difference.Welookforwardtoachievingevengreater milestonestogetherintheyearsahead. "Unitedbyculture,strengthenedbycommunity,inspired forthefuture."
Withheartfeltgratitude, TheHMAACTeam
info@hmongassociationco.org www.hmongassociationco.org www.facebook.com/HmongAmericanAssociationCO/ www.linkedin.com/company/hmaac/