Hmong Women Lead
2024 Conference
Conference highlights and content will be added here.
About the 2024 Conference
The 2024 Hmong Women Lead Conference took place on June 8-9, 2024 at the University of Denver, focusing on "Pioneering Mental Health Equity for Hmong Women."
This transformative two-day summit brought together Hmong women from across the nation for empowering workshops, healing sessions, and meaningful connections. The conference featured both in-person sessions at the University of Denver's Community Commons and online webinars held in the months leading up to the main event.
The event was completely free to attend and included breakfast, lunch, and networking opportunities, creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive space for healing, growth, and advocacy.
Event Details
- Dates:June 8-9, 2024
- Location:University of Denver, Community Commons
- Address:2000 E Asbury Ave, Denver, CO 80210
- Format:In-person summit with pre-conference online webinars
- Cost:Free (including meals)
Keynote Speaker
Annie Lee
Co-Founder of Seeds4Hope Nonprofit
Annie Lee is a visionary co-creator and lifelong learner, dedicated to empowering women globally. As the Co-founder of Seeds4Hope, she champions collaboration and community-building, impacting over 90+ young rising leaders, a team of 15 and 45 mentors.
With 20 years of counseling experience and certification as a women's circle facilitator, Annie embodies resilience and compassion in her advocacy work. Through initiatives like Hmong Women Today, she fosters solidarity and empowerment.
Gala Evening | Saturday, June 8 | 7PM
Featured Sessions & Workshops
The conference featured diverse programming addressing mental health, leadership, cultural identity, and wellness through both practical workshops and reflective healing sessions.
Let Us Talk Taboo
Mindy Heu, LCSW LLP
A three-part series addressing child sexual abuse in the Hmong community and healthy boundaries.
- Part I: Child Sexual Abuse
- Part II: Cultural Factors
- Part III: Healthy Boundaries
Beauty & Brains
Dani Thao
Cultivating minds and celebrating beauty - challenging global beauty standards and honoring Hmong community's unique beauty ideals.
- Cultural Beauty Ideals
- Self-Acceptance
- Redefining Success
Enneagram-UP
Lynda Yang-Gungsing
Introduction to the Enneagram - exploring the 9 different ways of being in the world and personal identity work.
- 9 Enneagram Types
- 7 Pillars of the System
- Personal Identity
SOMA Breathwork
Kazoua Xiong - Soul Ya Yoga
Rhythmic breathing techniques, meditation, and music to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Breathing Techniques
- Stress Relief
- Energy Healing
Learn It. Live It.
Xai Lor
Inspirational workshop on overcoming adversity - led by a two-time cancer survivor and martial arts educator.
- Cancer Warrior Journey
- Resilience
- Community Service
Energy & Sound Healing
Pa Nhia Vue & Nancy Xiong
Holistic healing practices including Ria Energy Healing and Hono Bono Healing with Hmong shamanic traditions.
- Energy Healing
- Sound Healing
- Reiki
Financial Education
Joan Van De Griek, CPA
Fetch Your Wealth - ensuring financial security for families, especially addressing disability financial planning.
- Financial Planning
- Disability Support
- Retirement Strategy
Hmong Health & Biomedicine
Dr. Dia Cha, PhD
Hmong concepts of health and healing, bridging traditional practices with modern biomedicine.
- Traditional Healing
- Cultural Anthropology
- Health Equity
Breaking the Silence
Dr. Sendra Yang, PharmD, MBA
Dispelling stigma and misconceptions surrounding medication use in mental health and domestic violence among Hmong women.
- Medication Stigma
- Mental Health
- Domestic Violence
Narratives of Healing
Lisa Hamilton
The transformative power of sharing your story - exploring storytelling as a tool for mental health and communal healing.
- Storytelling
- Healing Narratives
- Community Connection
Crisis Response in Colorado
Kelly Bowman
Current practices and future directions for the 988 Enterprise & Crisis Line Program with the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration.
- 988 Crisis Line
- Mental Health Response
- Support Systems
Fireside Chat
Dr. Alyssa Vang, PsyD, LP, BC-TMH
Intimate conversation with a pioneer and leader in the field of Hmong mental health at Vanguard Mental Health and Wellness Clinic.
- Mental Health Leadership
- Cultural Psychology
- Community Care
Special Events
Gala Evening
Saturday, June 8 | 7PM - 9PM
An evening of inspiration, entertainment, and camaraderie celebrating the achievements of our community. Featured performances by Dee and Kimmaly, with keynote speech by Annie Lee.
Formal wear or cultural clothes welcomed. Drinks and appetizers provided.
Networking Panels
Asian Corporate Entrepreneur and Leaders (ACEL)
Panel discussion on "How Community Engagement Can Benefit Your Career and Business Growth" featuring accomplished panelists Khamsone Sirimanivong, Barbara Koldos, and moderator Monica Wang.
Sisterhood Circle
Saturday, June 8 | 2:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Facilitated by Annie Lee, Co-Founder of Seeds4Hope. An immersive experience to unleash free expression through movement and embrace authentic communication, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
Kick-Off Sessions
Saturday: "Empowering Hmong Women: Ways to Impact Mental Health with Shared Experiences" by North Carolina Hmong Women Association, Inc.
Sunday: "Narratives of Healing: The Transformative Power of Sharing Your Story" with Lisa Hamilton
Pre-Conference Online Webinars
Leading up to the main summit, we hosted online sessions in April and May 2024
April 20, 2024
Let Us Talk Taboo, Part I
Introduction to child sexual abuse with Mindy Heu
May 11, 2024
Let Us Talk Taboo, Part II
Child sexual abuse in the Hmong community with Mindy Heu
May 22, 2024
Beauty & Brains
Cultivating minds and celebrating beauty with Dani Thao
May 25, 2024
Enneagram-UP
Introduction to the Enneagram with Lynda Yang-Gungsing
2024 Conference Impact
A transformative gathering that brought together our community for healing, learning, and connection
2 Days
Of Programming
20
Speakers & Facilitators
15
Workshops & Sessions
100%
Free to Attend