“I decided to work on the Unforgotten SGU video project because of my father. My father passed in May 2016, two weeks before I graduated undergrad. The only regret I have is never taking the time to just listen and ask my father about his experience during the horrific and tragic events of the Secret War in Lao. In a way to find closure and a connection with my father, I knew that I must be part of such an important project to preserve and educate our old and new generations of the adversity and fortitude our Hmong people experienced.
I believe, knowledge is key to uncovering and empowering each other. When we hunger for answers that’s when our individual voice we can make a ripple impact in our community. “
Watch Yeng Her’s film about Hmong Secret Guerrilla Unit Veteran: Sa Mao Xiong >
More about Yeng Her
Yeng Her is a graduate of Brandeis University with his BA in Studio Arts and Education. He has been awarded with many including:
- The Marcia Bloch Epstein ‘55 Memorial Prize in Education, for demonstrating a commitment to social justice through teaching.
- The Robert B. Serman ‘67 Memorial Prize for his strong commitment to enhancing social diversity and cooperation to promote social welfare through political thought and activism.
- The Susan Mae Green Aware for exhibiting excellence in photography
Yeng is a Fulbright Alumnus and was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistance Grant to Thailand. He’s also spent time on the Community Partnerships Team at College Possible.
In 2018, he volunteered at the Hmong Museum’s Festival of Nation booth. Which got him interested in Hmong Museum and their mission. The following year, Yeng successfully lead and designed the Hmong Museum experience at the Festival of Nation.
“The Twin Cities has so many resources for the Hmong, but there was one thing missing for me: an actual Hmong Museum. What it would mean to have a place for the history of our people is important.”
In 2019, Yeng began pursuing a Masters in International Educational Development from the Teachers College, Columbia University. Yeng hopes to build his career within the international education realm working as program manager to create and consult on education policies and development