Bo Thao-Urabe is the Founder and Network Director for the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL), which harnesses the collective power of Asian American leaders from sectors, generations and ethnicities to improve the lives of the community. She is also the Founder and Chief Operating Officer of RedGreen Rivers, a social enterprise connecting women artisans in Southeast Asia to global markets in order to preserve indigenous art forms and increase economic well-being of women and their families.
FROM NONPROFIT TO PHILANTHROPY
Previously, she served as Senior Director at Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, a national philanthropic group, where she led the design and implementation of innovative social justice initiatives.
Thao-Urabe, has held a variety of positions, including serving as Executive Director of national and local nonprofits and Senior Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
DEDICATED TO IMPROVING LIVES
Thao-Urabe’s work centers on creating community-centered, asset-based solutions that ensures meaningful outcomes and lasting change. She is committed to improving community conditions, giving all people the opportunity to thrive, has led to the creation of local, national and international organizations and businesses. A few include:
- Building Our Future: A Global Campaign
- Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together
- The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence
- The Building More Philanthropy with Purpose Giving Circle
Thao-Urabe sits on many boards including:
- The Minnesota Historical Society, Board of Director
- Nonprofit Assistance Fund
- The Minneapolis Foundation
Thao-Urabe has received numerous awards for her contributions and is one of the few Minnesotans with the honor of having the same day named after her in both the city of Saint Paul and state of Minnesota. In 2019, she was named a recipient of the Bush Fellowship.