Latest news with #HmongAmerican
Vogue Singapore
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Suni Lee on battling kidney disease, finding balance and being a lululemon girl Beauty, Wellness
Last year, the world watched on as the women's team from USA took home gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Amongst the athletes, Suni Lee was a clear standout and fan favourite, not just for being the first Hmong American to compete at the Olympics but for her triumphant performance that led to a bronze medal for uneven bars. It was a moving win like no other, especially given how a year prior to the sporting event, Lee was battling a rare kidney disease. One that was devastatingly crippling, where she couldn't even put on pair of grips, let alone feel like she could ever compete again. Of course, Lee would go on to defy every odd, whilst openly advocating for her rare disease. 'Looking back, that time was really scary and uncertain. Being diagnosed with rare kidney diseases and having to step away from gymnastics was tough, I wasn't sure if I'd compete again. But with the support of my family, doctors, and coaches, I took it day by day and focused on my health. Making it to Paris and competing again showed me the power of resilience—sometimes it's about adapting and trusting the process, even when things don't go as planned,' says the 22-year-old. Courtesy of lululemon This year, post-Olympics, Lee is enjoying life to the fullest, just like any vivacious twenty-something. She's been glowing courtside at a few NBA games, reigning as a beauty queen on TikTok and has recently been named a lululemon ambassador with an Align campaign in tow. Like many women, Lee is not immune to the charms of the American athleisure brand, which makes this partnership a natural fit. 'Even before this ambassadorship, I have every single product in every single colour. A s an athlete, I've always appreciated how their gear supports performance without sacrificing comfort or style. But what really drew me in is their commitment to wellness as a whole—not just physical fitness, but also mental health and self-expression.' Below, the six-time Olympic medalist speaks to Vogue Singapore on her favourite Lululemon pieces, wellness practices and what her definition of strength looks like. Congratulations on your new Align campaign with lululemon that marks the product line's 10th anniversary. Tell us about your experience on set that day. Shooting the Align campaign was such a fun and empowering experience. The energy on set was so positive, everyone really made me feel comfortable and confident, which I think comes through in the photos. What I loved most was how true to me everything felt. The Align collection is all about softness and movement, so it didn't feel like I was 'posing'. It felt natural, like I was just being myself. It was a day full of laughter, good vibes, and a reminder of how powerful it is to feel comfortable in your own skin. What goes into your training as an athlete and gymnast and how does lululemon come in? Training as a gymnast is incredibly demanding as it is a mix of strength and flexibility, coupled with endurance and precision. I'm a huge fan of cross-training too, so I like to do things outside of the gym. Every day looks a little different, but there's always a focus on pushing my limits while also listening to my body. That balance is really important to me, and it's something lululemon supports in such a real way. Their gear moves with me through every part of my day, from high-intensity training to recovery and even rest. I rely on pieces like those from the Align collection when I need something soft and breathable during stretching or lighter workouts, and the brand's performance wear when I'm going full out. But more than that, I love that lululemon encourages a holistic approach to wellness, reminding me that taking care of my mental health and finding moments of stillness are just as important as the physical side of training. Courtesy of lululemon As a gymnast, athlete and public figure, how has it been like coping with stressors from a young age? What is your mindset when it comes to that? It hasn't always been easy, especially growing up in the spotlight while competing at the highest levels. As a gymnast and public figure, there's pressure from expectations, from social media, even from myself. But over the years, I've learned how important it is to give myself grace and protect my mental space. I've really worked on shifting my mindset from perfection to progress. It's okay to have hard days, and it's okay to step back when you need to. Surrounding myself with the right support system like family, coaches, and friends, and practising things like mindfulness and journaling have helped me stay grounded. I've also learned that strength isn't just about what you do in the gym, it's how you care for your whole self. How do you unwind? What gives you comfort during the strenuous times of rigorous training? I find comfort in simple things like spending time with my family and close friends who help me stay grounded. I also love journaling and practising mindfulness to clear my mind and reset. Sometimes, just putting on some music and moving at my own pace, whether it's stretching or Pilates, helps me recharge. It's those little moments of calm that keep me balanced and ready to take on whatever comes next. Courtesy of lululemon What is next for Suni? What's next for me is all about growth, both as an athlete and as a person. I want to keep pushing my limits, but also focus on using my platform to create a positive impact and spreading goodness. Being part of the lululemon community has been incredible because it's filled with like-minded people who believe in wellness, mindfulness, and supporting each other's journeys. You can expect to see me continuing to advocate for holistic health, inspiring others to find balance in their lives, and further collaborating with lululemon on projects that empower people to move, breathe, and be their best selves every day.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Sacramento's Hmong American community reflects on 50 years since arriving to U.S.
SACRAMENTO – For AAPI Heritage Month, CBS Sacramento is taking a closer look at the sacrifices and contributions made by Hmong Americans. The first Hmong refugees began arriving in the U.S. from the country of Laos in the late 1970s. Sacramento County is home to one of the largest groups in the country. During the height of the Vietnam War, the CIA recruited and armed Hmong men and boys to fight a secret war against communism. Details of this covert operation were revealed in the infamous Pentagon Papers, made public in 1971. It's estimated that 30,000 Hmong soldiers were killed in combat. Fifty thousand civilians died in the war and tens of thousands escaped and resettled in the United States. Today, Sacramento County is home to the third-largest group in the nation, with an estimated 32,000 Hmong Americans. And in San Joaquin County, there are 7,000 Hmong Americans. Gaonoucci Vang and Nicholas Moua are first-generation Hmong Americans. "To be Hmong American is, I feel like it's kind of like a privilege," Moua said. "I have so much pride in being Hmong American. I think it's such a unique and beautiful experience," Vang said. "And because we are first generation, we have the opportunity to really immerse ourselves in what it means to create culture as Hmong American." They are part of the Hmong Innovating Politics group, better known a HIP. The Sacramento-based non-profit aims to lift the community and empower its youth through education, social and civic engagement. "I feel the way the Hmong American history is documented that the Hmong people started at the inception of the Secret War, but our history goes beyond that," Vang said. Over 4,000 years to be exact, and their language is so distinct that it has several dialects. For the younger generation, navigating two cultures can be a constant balance. "There's always this dual identity, especially now in this generation where asian americans are becoming more accepting; where I've lived through this generation of perpetual foreigner, always having to prove my Americanism," Vang said. Through the years, their customs and traditions have become part of the social fabric in California. "Our culture is still being documented and noted down in history," Moua said. As they reflect on 50 years since Hmong immigrants first arrived in the U.S., Vang and Moua are redefining what it means to be Hmong. "Our language is an incredibly important part of our heritage and culture, but it's not the base of it, right. It's also about the community to hear, living our culture, spreading our culture," Vang said. "You know, being displaced from Laos, and not really getting to carry much of the traditions with us back into America, and at the end of the day, I'm still Hmong," Moua said. The Sacramento Hmong community celebrates its new year in November. The event at Cal Expo attracts tens of thousands every year.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fresno superintendent Her must lead with cultural responsiveness, transparency
Following a tense and politically charged search process, Misty Her has made double history: She is the first woman and the first Hmong American to serve as superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District since its founding in 1873. This milestone holds powerful symbolic value, particularly in one of California's most ethnically and culturally diverse school districts. Her's appointment is more than symbolic. It reflects a significant step forward for both gender equity and racial representation. As a Hmong American woman in the district's highest leadership role, Her offers inspiration to Hmong youth and other underrepresented students who rarely see themselves reflected in positions of authority. Opinion Yet with this historic achievement comes a profound responsibility: to lead with cultural responsiveness, transparency, and accountability. Representation, however, does not automatically lead to structural change. True transformation of Fresno Unified's organizational culture will require more than symbolic victories. It demands that all stakeholders — students, educators, families, and community members — have a meaningful voice in shaping the decisions that impact them. Inclusion must be more than a value; it must be a practice rooted in trust, transparency and shared ownership. Her's leadership arrives at a moment when many institutions, including public education, are increasingly criticized for top-down, autocratic practices. In this context, it is essential that Her's tenure reflect the inclusive values her appointment symbolizes. That means reimagining curricula, rethinking pedagogical approaches and fostering school environments that affirm student identity, uplift educators and actively engage families as partners in the educational process. One of the most urgent challenges Her must confront is the district's widely reported 'culture of fear,' a critical issue highlighted by educators and the Fresno Teachers Association but largely ignored during the superintendent selection process. Addressing this pressing matter will be crucial to restoring trust and ensuring that educators feel empowered rather than silenced. Although Her took steps during her time as interim superintendent to engage specific groups, broader and more transparent community involvement is necessary. Greater inclusion will not only lend legitimacy to district strategies, but also strengthen collective responsibility and support for district goals. Fresno Unified has made efforts to emphasize professional development and align teaching practices with student outcomes. However, its centralized decision-making process continues to limit teacher autonomy and reinforce perceptions of top-down governance. This dynamic contributes to dissatisfaction among educators and a community that seeks deeper involvement in shaping educational priorities. As someone who has navigated educational and professional systems as a Hmong American woman, Her brings lived experience that mirrors the journeys of many students, especially those from immigrant, refugee or multilingual backgrounds. This background gives Her a unique and powerful lens through which to advocate for culturally relevant education. Still, if this perspective is to move beyond symbolism, it must inform a deliberate critique of how traditional curricula often exclude or marginalize students. When students don't see themselves reflected in what they're taught, they disengage, physically attending school while mentally checking out. This sense of alienation contributes to chronic absenteeism and undermines academic success. Curriculum reform is therefore not a peripheral issue, it is central to closing the achievement gap. Interventions focused on truancy or performance will fall short unless teaching and learning begin to center the student voice, culture and identity. In this regard, Her has both the platform and responsibility to be a bold advocate for culturally relevant education. Language instruction, particularly bilingual education and culturally responsive language curricula, must also be prioritized. For a district like Fresno Unified, where many students speak multiple languages or come from linguistically diverse households, these efforts are not just supplementary — they are essential. If Her's leadership is to mark a true turning point for Fresno Unified, it must be defined by more than representation. It must be rooted in transformative, systemic change that affirms every student and empowers every stakeholder. Silvio Manno is a retired Fresno bilingual teacher and author.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Michigan lawmaker responds to colleague's insults that she is 'very low IQ'
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways [Source] Michigan State Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) issued a forceful response after House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) publicly called her 'a very low IQ representative' and 'probably one of the dumbest ones in the legislature' during a press briefing on April 30. What happened The confrontation began when Hall launched into a series of insults directed at Xiong after she criticized him for canceling the previous day's legislative session to attend a rally with President Donald Trump marking his first 100 days in office. 'We have this very low IQ representative named Mai Xiong, probably one of the dumbest ones in the Legislature, and I saw this video of her, and she's like 'the House Speaker is not here today. We need to have session. You know? We need to work for the people of Michigan, Macomb County,'' Hall told reporters. He then defended his absence, saying he was 'delivering a new mission with President Trump for Selfridge Air Force Base' while claiming Xiong was 'doing nothing for her county and for her district.' Trending on NextShark: Daniel Dae Kim is first Asian American to be nominated for Tony lead actor award Standing up to 'bullies' Xiong, the first Hmong American elected to the Michigan House — and currently the only Asian American woman in the Michigan legislature — responded with a statement later that day, saying she was 'deeply disheartened and disappointed' by Hall's remarks. 'These words weren't just disrespectful — they were meant to demean, belittle and devalue,' she said. She also countered Hall's claims by highlighting her legislative work and criticizing Hall for allegedly violating the Michigan Constitution by 'hijacking' nine bills, including one she authored to support public workers. Trending on NextShark: Vietnamese refugee suffering from dementia dies in ICE custody in Texas In a follow-up statement over the weekend, Xiong emphasized the importance of accountability. 'I want my children and others to know that standing up to bullies is always the right thing to do,' she stressed. 'I want them to see that strong leadership means lifting others up not tearing them down.' This is not the first time Xiong has had to deal with offensive remarks. Last year, she was also forced to release a statement after facing racially motivated attacks on social media, including accusations that she is a member of the Chinese Communist Party. Trending on NextShark: Korean American astronaut Jonny Kim shares gochujang burger recipe from space This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Indian American student wearing pro-Trump hat attacked near WSU Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Barbara Lee wins Oakland mayor's race
Former Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) was projected to win a special election to become the next mayor of Oakland, according to Decision Desk HQ, in what became a closer-than-expected race amid growing voter dissatisfaction over the direction of the city. Lee won the nonpartisan ranked-choice election over a field of more than a half dozen candidates, with the most prominent being former City Council member Loren Taylor, who was the runner-up to now-former Mayor Sheng Thao (D) in the 2022 mayoral race and emerged as this election's dark-horse contender. Taylor had the initial lead after the first batch of votes were tallied Tuesday night with 48.2 percent of the vote, about 1,200 votes ahead of Lee, who had 45.7 percent. But after more than 40,000 additional mail-in ballots yet to be counted were tallied and announced Friday, Lee went ahead of Taylor by about 5 points, or nearly 5,000 votes. That was just enough to win a majority in the initial round of vote counting before any additional rounds of tallying in the ranked choice system need to be conducted. Oakland has been without a permanent mayor since November, when Thao was recalled from office in a first for the city with more than 60 percent of voters in favor of her ouster. She was elected narrowly in 2022 to become the first Hmong American woman to serve as mayor of a major American city, but tensions rose under her mayoralty as she faced scrutiny over her handling of crime and law enforcement and her personal conduct. The crime rate spiked particularly high in Oakland during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained higher than most other cities in the years in which many Americans began to resume normal activities. Homicides remained high while robberies and burglaries experienced a sharp rise in 2023, the first year of Thao's administration. Crime appeared to be dropping in 2024 ahead of the election, but Thao also faced backlash over poor relations with the police union and missing a deadline to apply for a grant that would have given the city millions to address retail theft. A personal controversy also surrounded Thao after the FBI conducted a raid on her home in June, not commenting at the time on its purpose. Months after leaving office, Thao was indicted in January on bribery, conspiracy and mail and wire fraud charges, accusing her of conspiring with others to give business from the city to two businessmen in exchange for financial benefits. Thao has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. Lee's victory was initially expected to be virtually ensured for the long-time former House member, who chose not to run for reelection last year for an unsuccessful bid for Senate, which she lost in the primary. She also had the endorsements of several notable local and state political figures, including interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins, former California Gov. Jerry Brown and former Mayors Libby Schaaf, Jean Quan and Elihu Harris. Brown also previously served as Oakland mayor. But the race became increasingly competitive as the election approached, with two polls commissioned by Taylor's campaign and a group supporting his campaign showing a tight race last month. Taylor also touted endorsements from some less high-profile but still influential figures, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former City Council President Pat Kernighan. The race became a bit of a proxy battle of sorts within the Democratic Party with Lee as the long-time progressive leader and the choice of many establishment leaders and Taylor running on a more moderate platform and positioning himself as an outsider who would bring change to the city. Lee's website states that her priorities as mayor will be a public safety plan to ensure residents feel safe, providing unhoused people with housing and mental health and addiction services and improving the city's ethics regulations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
