Dr. Nancy Yang

What are you currently working on or most proud of right now?

I am currently a Financial Accounting Analyst at IC of Oklahoma, LLC. And, I am the founder of Autonomy Bookkeeping and Consulting, LLC. There are several things that I am working on that I am very proud of in this season. I serve as an Advance Opportunity Coordinator & Mentor Coordinator for Seeds4Hope. In my role, I have the opportunity to work with young ladies overseas to further their education through our scholarship and awards program. Also, develop and nurture the leadership of our mentors. I also serve as a board member of a mental health nonprofit that promotes and educates mental health professionals on the diverse cultures in our local community. Through the Asian Affairs Commission of Tulsa, I am proud of the initiatives we bring to the Asian community through education and workforce development.

How did you begin this work, business, or path? What motivated you to start?

I began my work and business journey at the age of twenty-one as an Operations Service Supervisor of a bank. It gave me an opportunity to speak with a lot of the local business owners and in conversations with them, I found that many of them lacked the basic accounting knowledge to run their business effectively. I was motivated to make a career change and pursue my education in finance & accounting. I had the desire to help entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed. I am most passionate about small and start-up businesses because they are the heart of communities. It is amazing to see a business start-up and watch it grow through various challenges.

What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have you navigated them?

The challenges that I faced along the way were life events that happened out of my control and balancing work, family, and college. I had to learn time management and discipline at a young age. My calendar and planner were the navigators in my life. I navigated through those challenges by planning ahead and strategically making time for each one of those areas in my life with careful thoughts and consideration.

What has surprised you most about your journey so far?

What surprised me the most about my journey so far is that I accomplished and achieved beyond my expectations. There were many times I wanted to give up, but I didn't. It was a long road, with many hills and valleys, but with hard work, dedication, and self-determination I finally made it. I couldn't have done it without my community cheering for me and supporting me through all the easy and tough times along the way. When I crossed the stage to receive my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, I thanked the younger me for not giving up. When I started my business, it was the fruit of many years of pouring myself into helping other businesses, and now I have my own.

How does your work serve or impact your community, clients, or the people around you?

My work serves the community by providing reliable, ethical, and accessible financial support to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. By helping clients maintain accurate records, understand their financial position, and stay compliant with regulations. I enable them to make informed decisions that support sustainability and growth. Beyond numbers, my services build trust, financial confidence, and empowering clients to uplift the communities they serve. My work with nonprofit organizations and local commission impacts my community and those around me by addressing immediate needs and long-term growth through mentorship, mental health advocacy, and education and workforce development initiatives. As an Advance Opportunity Coordinator & Mentor Coordinator, I connect individuals with guidance and support that build confidence, leadership skills, and pathways to success. Through my advocacy for mental health awareness, I help reduce stigma and promote access to resources that support well-being and resilience. Additionally, my involvement in education and workforce development with our local commission will strengthen opportunities for the Asian youths and adults to gain skills, pursue meaningful careers, and scholarships for higher education.

"My Hmong identity deeply influences my work, leadership, and perspective by grounding me in values of community, resilience, and collective responsibility."

In what ways does your Hmong identity influence your work, leadership, or perspective (if at all)?

My Hmong identity deeply influences my work, leadership, and perspective by grounding me in values of community, resilience, and collective responsibility. As a member of a historically marginalized and refugee community, I approach my work with cultural humility, empathy, and awareness of systemic barriers that many individuals and families face. Hmong cultural values such as respect for elders, intergenerational knowledge, and mutual support inform how I lead - with intention, inclusivity, and a commitment to uplifting others. My lived experience allows me to serve as a bridge between communities, institutions, and systems, advocating for equity in education, mental health, and workforce development while honoring cultural identity. This perspective strengthens my leadership by centering voices that are often overlooked and by ensuring that solutions are culturally responsive and community driven.

What does leadership mean to you, based on your lived experience?

Leadership, to me, is grounded in service, responsibility, and lived experience. It means showing up for others with integrity, especially when it is uncomfortable or unseen. Based on my lived experience, leadership is not about title or authority, but about using one's voice, knowledge, and influence to create access, equity, and opportunity for others. Leadership requires listening deeply, mentoring intentionally, and making decisions to uplift rather than preserve power. It also means being willing to learn, unlearn, and grow - recognizing that true leadership is measured by impact left on people and the pathways created for those who come after us.

What lessons have you learned that you wish you had known earlier?

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that growth takes time and does not require perfection. Earlier in my journey, I believed success meant doing everything on my own and proving my value through constant effort. Through experience, I learned that asking for help, setting boundaries, and trusting the process are signs of strength, not weakness. I also wish I had known sooner that my lived experiences and cultural identity are assets that shape my leadership and perspective. These lessons have taught me to lead with greater confidence, balance, and compassion - for myself and for the people I serve.

What has helped you stay grounded, motivated, or resilient during difficult moments?

During difficult moments, what has helped me stay grounded and resilient is a strong sense of purpose and connection to community. I remain motivated by remembering why I do the work - serving others, creating opportunities, and contributing to long-term change. Practicing reflection, setting healthy boundaries, and allowing myself time to pause have helped me manage stress and avoid burnout. I also draw strength from my value and faith in the process, and the support of my mentors, colleagues, peers, friends, and family. These practices helped me stay centered, adapt to challenges, and continue moving forward with intention and resilience.

What are you currently working toward or hoping to build next?

I am currently working toward building a grief coaching ministry that offers compassionate support, guidance, and healing tools for individuals and families navigating loss. My hope is to create a safe and culturally responsive space where people can process grief, find meaning, and feel seen and supported through difficult season of life. This next chapter reflects my commitment to mental health, faith-informed care, and community healing, and it builds on my experience in leadership, advocacy, and service. Through this ministry, I am to help others move forward with hope, resilience, and renewed purpose.

What advice or encouragement would you offer other Hmong women navigating their own paths?

I would encourage other Hmong women to honor their stories and trust their own voices, even when the path feels uncertain or different from what is expected. Your lived experiences, cultural values, and resilience are powerful strengths - not limitations. It is okay to move at your own pace, set boundaries, and redefine success in ways that align with your purpose and well-being. Seek community and mentorship but also give yourself permission to grow beyond fear and self-doubt. Most importantly, remember that by choosing to lead, heal, and pursue your calling, you are not only creating space for yourself, but also opening doors for future generations of Hmong women.

Is there anything else you would like to share that we haven't asked?

I would want people to understand and remember my work as one that creates meaningful, lasting impact - whether through empowering individuals, strengthening communities, or fostering opportunities for growth and resilience. I hope my work is seen as intentional, compassionate, and solution-focused, where data, evidence, experience are applied to address real-world challenges. Most importantly, I want people to remember that my efforts were guided by a commitment to uplift others, create positive change, and leave spaces - whether in education, mental health, finances, or workforce development - more equitable, supportive, and thriving than I found them.