Latest news with #HmongAmerican
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Behind the Scenes of Suni Lee's Beyoncé-Inspired ESPY Look
Behind the Scenes of Suni Lee's Beyoncé-Inspired ESPY Look originally appeared on Parade. Olympic gymnast Suni Lee looked gorgeous at Wednesday's ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. The 22-year-old gymnast made history as the first Hmong-American Olympian and has won a total of six medals across the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. On Wednesday night, Lee took home the "Best Comeback Athlete" award. This year's nominees also included Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog, Chicago Red Stars soccer player Mallory Swanson and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. In 2023, Lee was diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases that caused severe swelling and fatigue, which forced her to end her NCAA gymnastics career at Auburn University early. At one point, she couldn't even perform basic movements or train. After months of treatment, her condition went into remission in early 2024, and she made a stunning return at the Paris Olympics. While preparing for the ESPYs, Lee sat down with GRAZIA to give a behind-the-scenes look at the stunning gold gown she wore for the occasion. The young gymnast stunned in a custom-made gold Oscar de la Renta gown, which she accessorized with a pair of gold Gianvitto Rossi high heels, a matching gold clutch, a pair of gold and diamond dangling earrings and a gold bangle. Her hair was styled in a sleek blowout, while her makeup featured warm, bronzy tones that enhanced her natural features. A subtle smoky eye and glossy nude lip completed the effortlessly glamorous look. "My amazing glam team and I decided to go in a very 'golden girl' direction, which was really exciting since I typically lean into a more natural look," Lee told GRAZIA. "I love how the blown-out hair and bronzey makeup really completed the Oscar de la Renta gown, yet still let it shine." Lee was styled by Brian Meller, while Irinel de Leon was in charge of hair and the makeup was done by Maria Vargas. 'My original inspiration was a photo I saw of Beyoncé in a gold dress,' Lee admitted, referring to this Beyoncé look, where the singer wore a gold Dolce & Gabbana gown at the 2004 BRIT Awards. 'After that, I became obsessed with finding the one, and I'm so happy this came together for such a fun night like the ESPYs.' After a successful 2024 Olympic run, Lee moved from Minneapolis to New York City in the fall and has been living her best life. Beyond gymnastics, the 22-year-old has been very active with her work with the American Kidney Fund and has been focusing on spending time with her close friends and loved ones. "My life has been a rollercoaster up until this point, and I'm loving being able to put my focus on lighter things," Lee said. "My story is constantly evolving and I'm so excited to see where that takes me in the future." Behind the Scenes of Suni Lee's Beyoncé-Inspired ESPY Look first appeared on Parade on Jul 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Hmong, Somali communities in Minnesota raise concern over Trump's new travel ban
The White House's new travel ban takes effect on June 9. The 19 countries listed as a security concern by President Trump also include some of Minnesota's largest immigrant communities. "My parents were actually from the country of Laos. They can here after the fall of the Vietnam war," said Hmong-American Mike Hang. "The civil war is the reason why I'm here and made Minnesota my home," said Somali-American Jaylani Hussein. Two Americans with Hmong and Somali heritage. President Trump cited specific security concerns for each of these 19 countries with travel restrictions. Two of those, Somalia and Laos, are responsible for some of the largest immigrant populations in Minnesota. "Most folks who have been in the process of coming to the U.S. have been vetted, went through a process sometimes five, six, seven years. There is no other option," said Hussein. "It's also very hard on the elders, too, right? Because they're pretty old now and they do want to go see some family back there, it's made it hard for them," said Hang. The President's travel restriction proclamation listed specific security concerns with each country. Somalia faces a full travel ban. The President cited a "persistent terrorist threat," describing the country as a safe haven for terrorists and saying the country's government is not vetting or screening travelers' identities properly. "It cuts deep for a community that's seen little progress in Somalia," said Hussein. Travelers and immigrants from Laos are facing partial restrictions, with nearly 35% of people who come here on temporary basis overstay their visas, according to a Trump administration report. The national security concerns and travel restrictions, leading to uncertainty for families in Minnesota. "They're very uncomfortable. We don't know if someone's gonna get banned," Hang told WCCO.
Vogue Singapore
29-05-2025
- 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.
