Remembering Kao Ly Lean Her

Kao Ly Llean Her has been an influential Hmong American leader whose work helped open doors for the Hmong and Asian American communities in Minnesota. Arriving in the United States as a refugee after the Vietnam War, she went on to earn a degree in International Relations from Hamline University and a law degree from the University of Minnesota. Her career was built around public service, advocacy, education, and community leadership. In 1997, she became the **first Hmong woman to serve as Executive Director of Minnesota’s Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans**, where she worked on issues affecting Asian American families and communities across the state. She later became CEO of the Hmong Elder Center, helping provide services and support for Hmong elders. Kao Ly was also deeply committed to the next generation. She helped create programs focused on mentoring Asian youth, educational achievement, leadership development, and opportunities for young Hmong women. Her community involvement extended into philanthropy and organizations supporting Hmong women and families. Her contributions reached beyond the Hmong community. In 2018, the Minnesota Senate introduced **Senate Resolution 144 honoring Kao Ly Llean Her** for her contributions, public service, and extensive work on Asian American issues in Minnesota. **Kao Ly Llean Her’s story is one of a Hmong refugee who became an attorney, advocate, mentor, and community leader—a woman who helped create opportunities for generations that followed her. Her legacy represents leadership, education, service, and the growing voice of Hmong Americans in Minnesota.**