Milwaukee's Hmong scholars are on the rise — thanks in part to one local charter school
When Kimberly Vang thinks back on growing up Hmong, her mind goes to her mother — and the incredible bedtime stories she'd share.
"She's really creative," Kimberly said. "She loves to learn and teach, so she'd tell me these great Hmong folktales."
Kimberly remembers lying back on her pillows, eyes growing heavy as she drifted off to the sound of her mother's voice. Even then, she was connecting to her heritage, learning lessons of identity, history and heart.
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Milwaukee is home to around 15,000 Hmong residents, and Kimberly and her family are among them. She transferred to Hmong American Peace Academy just in time for first grade. Her parents were searching for a school where their kids would feel safe, supported and seen — a place rooted in values they recognized.
For Kimberly, HAPA felt like home from the start. She had grown up immersed in Hmong culture — through language, family gatherings and those nighttime stories. A Hmong-centered school felt like a natural next step.
In the 12 years that followed, Kimberly thrived. And her hard work paid off — she'll be attending the University of Michigan this fall, a place she calls her 'version of Harvard.'
"I thought it'd be validating, knowing my effort and my grades mattered, just to be accepted."
And she was more than accepted. Kimberly got into U-M's prestigious direct-entry nursing school. She chose nursing because of her family's struggles with health care. "There have been miscommunications at times, and I know how frustrating that can be. I want to make sure Hmong people, and all minorities, feel understood and cared for.'
As for Kimberly's "why," she said it always came back to her parents.
"Their experiences, as young Hmong immigrants, are one of my biggest motivations. Knowing that they, and so many kids around the world, didn't have access to education reminds me to stay thankful, despite the hardships.'
Maybe it was those bedtime stories that sparked her curiosity; the way they taught her to listen, ask questions and understand her roots. Or maybe it was that quiet, steady drive to make her mom and dad proud. Either way, it marks an incredible ending to this chapter of Kimberly's HAPA story.
Her 'folktale' — like the ones her mother once told — is rich with hope, heritage and possibility. Now, she's ready to write new chapters of her own. HAPA gave her the tools to get this far. The rest is in her hands. She's ready.
Founded in 2004 with just 200 children, HAPA has grown into a thriving K4-12 charter school serving nearly 2,000 scholars on Milwaukee's northwest side. The school is committed to academic excellence, cultural preservation and lifelong success. High schoolers benefit from more than 60 clubs, athletics and AP/dual enrollment courses.
HAPA is entering a bold new phase, led by the growing HAPA Foundation, Inc., and the hiring of Patrick Tevlin as its first executive director of Development. With 25 years of experience, Tevlin will guide donor relations, working alongside CEO Chris Her-Xiong, Ph.D., and Foundation Board President Jason Handal.
The HAPA Foundation provides essential resources for scholars, families and staff. Its mission: foster engagement, ambassadorship and bridge the $1,000-per-scholar funding gap.
'HAPA represents the best of Milwaukee — dedicated staff and scholars, a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to excellence,' Tevlin said. 'This is the most purposeful mission I've ever joined, and I hope our philanthropic community will support these remarkable scholars.'
Her-Xiong added, 'As a former refugee who founded HAPA to create brighter futures, I know the power of education and opportunity. Mr. Tevlin's leadership will help us continue to provide rigorous academics, strong character development and a deep connection to Hmong heritage. With our community's support, we can empower the next generation of leaders.'
It's leaders like Kimberly, trying to make her parents proud. It's Milwaukee's future. It's all of us, coming together to invest in what matters most: our children. Join us in supporting HAPA scholars as they rise, lead and inspire. Forever Forward.
To learn more about HAPA, or visit the campus, visit myhapa.org or email tevlin.patrick@myhapa.org.
HAPA is a K4-12 charter school with a high school dedicated to career and college prep. It opened its doors in 2004 and graduated the first senior class in 2012. The school provides the broader community and HAPA scholars a high-quality education with state-of-the-art classrooms, gymnasiums, resource centers and more.
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