Metro Transit employees come from many cultures and backgrounds. To celebrate this diversity, employees who are proud to share their heritage and identity will be regularly featured on the Riders' Almanac blog.
Tell us a little about your background.
I am a Hmong American woman who was born and raised in north Minneapolis. My main dialect is Hmong White and I can speak, write and read fluently in it. My father and mother came to the United States during the Secret War to give their family a better life and opportunities. I grew up with five brothers and two sisters and am the youngest daughter out of the eight. I've worked for the Metro Transit Police Department for the last seven years and oversee and manage projects throughout the department.
What was it like growing up as a Hmong-American?
Growing up, I was expected to follow the norms of a Hmong woman, which means understanding how to cook and clean and preparing to be a good wife for our future spouse. In Hmong culture, gender roles and expectations used to be very traditional. As Hmong people migrated to the United States, the norms within our culture changed. Women can now obtain a higher education, become independent, and focus on their careers and passions. I was taught at a young age to follow a certain path, but I knew it wasn't the path I wanted to follow. Years later, I'm glad I trusted my instincts because I've achieved many life goals.
What do you enjoy about the Hmong culture?
It's amazing how much Hmong culture has progressed. We've adapted to new living situations throughout our generations, fleeing to seek a better life, fighting and surviving a war, immigrating to other parts of the country and ultimately building new lives from scratch. This history speaks to our strength as individuals and how far it took us to get where we are today. I also appreciate how the Hmong fashion is continually evolving – it adds a twist and showcases that we know a few things about being creative in all different ways.
What is your go to traditional comfort dish?
Boiled chicken soup with herbs with a side of peppers and rice.
Learn more
Fleeing wars in their homeland, Hmong people began to arrive in Minnesota in 1975. Today, there are more than 66,000 Hmong in Minnesota and the Twin Cities has one of the largest concentrations of Hmong in the United States. Learn more at mnhs.org.