Board of Directors

Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong, President (Txiv Hau Zos)

Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong is a highly experienced College Counselor with a remarkable career spanning over 22 years at San Joaquin Delta College. With a strong focus on serving diverse student populations and a commitment to supporting students in their academic, career, and personal development, Dr. Xiong specialized as the Lead Counselor for veteran students for two decades and currently serves as the Lead Counselor for international students. His role as an Adjunct Counselor at Modesto Junior College and Adjunct Instructor at California State University (CSU), Stanislaus, showcases his versatility in providing guidance across different educational institutions. He has actively participated in various committees, including the Curriculum Committee, Academic Senate, Matriculation Appeal Committee, and Cultural Awareness Program Committee. His eight years of service as the Treasurer for San Joaquin Delta College Counselors Association further demonstrates his commitment to enhancing the educational environment. Dr. Xiong’s extensive background includes serving as an Employment and Training Counselor for Merced County, Project Coordinator for Luteran Social Services Agency, Circulation Supervisor for CSU Stanislaus, and Resettlement Coordinator for Merced Lao Family. These diverse roles highlight his ability to contribute not only within educational settings but also in various community and social service capacities.

Dr. Xiong is a distinguished community leader who has dedicated significant years to serving and empowering various communities. With a remarkable tenure of 8 years as the President of Kev Ntseeg Leej Niam (Belief in Our Mother), he has played a pivotal role in leading the congregation to acquire properties for the development of Zos Ntuj Hmoov Ntuj Community Land Trust. Under his guidance, the community has witnessed substantial growth and progress. In addition to his role in Kev Ntseeg Leej Niam, Dr. Xiong has served as the President of Lao Family Community Empowerment for a decade. During this time, he has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that contribute to the empowerment and well-being of the Hmong community in Stockton, California. His commitment to preserving historical and cultural heritage is evident in his role as the Chairman of a committee whose purpose was to secure funds for the construction of the beautiful and historical monument of General Vang Pao in Stockton. His leadership in this capacity has helped maintain and honor the legacy of General Vang Pao. Furthermore, he has contributed to broader community collaboration as the Vice Chairman of Lao Family Community Consortium for 2 years. His advisory role for the Asian American Performing Arts and Culture Center for 6 years reflects his dedication to promoting cultural awareness and appreciation. Dr. Xiong’s financial expertise and strategic insight shine through in his roles as Board of Director and Treasurer for Hmong National Development for 4 years. Through these varied positions, Dr. Xiong has demonstrated profound commitment to community service, cultural preservation, and empowering diverse populations.

Dr. Xiong’s educational background is equally impressive, holding a Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of the Pacific, a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from CSU Stanislaus, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Gonzaga University. Throughout his career and service, he has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the community and education. He has been a sought-after presenter at various community events and is truly a distinguished professional with a multifaceted and impactful legacy.

Youa Xiong, Vice President (Sawv Tim Thawj)

Chee Lee, Secretary (Teev Tim Thawj)

Chee Lee’s academic and professional journey reflects a deep passion for education and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others . She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in K-8 ESL Education. She furthered her academic journey with a Master’s Degree in General Education, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of educational principles and dedicated seventeen years to the D.C. Everest School District in Wisconsin, where she played a crucial role in shaping the education of young minds.

For the majority of her teaching career, Chee Lee served as an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher, working with students ranging from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Her dedication to fostering language development and educational growth was evident in her eleven years of service in this role. When the opportunity arose with the opening of the Early Childhood Program in the district, Chee Lee made a strategic move to work with Pre-Kindergarten students, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to a younger age group for six years where she was able to foster a strong academic foundation for the children she worked with.

Beyond her commitment to education, Chee Lee’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors shine through. With a fondness for hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature, she appreciates the beauty of the world around her. Two years ago, Chee Lee, along with her husband, made a life-changing decision to relocate to Oroville, CA, seeking closer connections to their faith and community. In pursuit of her goals and passion for community development, Chee Lee is actively involved in the Zos Ntuj Hmoov Ntuj Community Land Trust. Her desire to contribute to the realization of this project showcases her commitment to creating positive change in her new community. Recognizing the need for flexibility to achieve her goals, Chee Lee made a career shift upon moving to Oroville. Currently, she is a small business owner of “Delicious Food 2 Go,” a restaurant in Oroville that specializes in take-out Asian cuisine. Collaborating with her sister, Chee Lee brings her entrepreneurial spirit to life, managing and running the restaurant together.

Chee Lee’s professional trajectory reflects a harmonious blend of education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning and making a positive impact in the world around her.

Gaomong Lo, Treasurer (Peev Tim Thawj)

Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, Gaomong was highly involved with her community. As a passionate music enthusiast, she was part of the Suzuki School of the Arts, performing in concerts and playing music with her community members. Gaomong was also involved with her local martial arts school, earning a black belt in Kung Fu. In her free time, she often volunteered with her town’s Rotary Club, the soup kitchen, and the animal shelter.

In high school, Gaomong was active in both extracurricular and academic activities. She was president of several clubs, homecoming queen, and was an active leader in her marching, symphonic, and jazz bands during her school career. Gaomong graduated as valedictorian with several honors and received a full 4-year Questbridge Scholarship to attend Duke University.

At Duke, Gaomong was involved in several organizations including being part of the Duke LIFE (Low-Income, First-generation Engagement) community, working as a tutor at the Emily K. Center for high schoolers, and becoming a mentor to young children in the Resettling Refugees in Durham program located at the Duke Kenan Institute of Ethics. In 2022, Gaomong graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and double minors in Chemistry and Biology.

Gaomong has had extensive work experience in the healthcare and academic fields. In 2018, she was selected to participate in the Blue Ridge Scholar Program and received a student internship at the UNC Health Blue Ridge – Morganton Hospital. In the same year, Gaomong also received her CNA certification and worked as a nursing assistant for a year. In addition to her healthcare career, Gaomong is also heavily involved in research work. During her school career as an undergraduate, Gaomong worked as a student research assistant under Dr. Zhiqing Huang from the Duke University School of Medicine and was involved in several projects researching ovarian cancer, including a study that was published in Scientific Reports in 2023.

In 2023, Gaomong and her family decided to move to California to be closer to the community working on this project with Zos Ntuj Hmoov Ntuj Community Land Trust. In November 2023, she was elected to serve on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. Gaomong hopes to serve her community’s needs while continuing to pursue her graduate studies.

Vanida Yang, Board Member (Hau Zej)

Vanida Yang is a dedicated and devoted community member with an extensive background in
customer service, sales, and business operations. After graduating from Harding Senior High
School in St. Paul, Minnesota, she chose to further her education by attending Empire Beauty
School, becoming a certified make-up artist. With a desire to continue to learn and grow
professionally, Vanida decided to undertake new challenges and moved from the health and
beauty field into sales. She was employed for many years as an Independent Sales Associate,
where she gained valuable knowledge and customer service skills. Vanida later became Senior
Inspector as well as a Direct Support Professional at an electronic sales company, assisting her
colleagues to become independent and supporting their transition into the company.

Vanida has many years of experience, demonstrating a remarkable skill set and success in the
many roles she has served. With a commitment to excellence, she has made customer
satisfaction a top priority in her work. Her attention to detail and exceptional service have
contributed to her continued professional success.

Vanida’s dedication to customer service has directly translated to her achievements during her
8-year tenure as a Treasurer and council member for Kev Ntseeg Leej Niam Kee Tiam Vaj Lis
Thum, Niam Ntuj Plawv Yis Fai. She utilized her business expertise and customer-centric
approach to play a pivotal role in the organization’s initiatives. Her remarkable contributions
include facilitating the acquisition of a 210-acre property for the development of Zos Ntuj
Hmoov Ntuj Community Land Trust in which the organization aims to create a low-income
housing development project to provide affordable housing for community members in need.
Driven by her passion for making a positive impact in people’s lives, Vanida will do everything
she can to help our low-income housing development project become a reality, so we can
provide affordable housing for our community members.

Vanida Yang’s professional journey reflects a fusion of business and customer service success,
community leadership, and a genuine desire to create positive change. Her story exemplifies
how business insight, dedication to service, and a compassionate heart can converge to make a
meaningful impact on both the business world and community at large. Furthermore, her
commitment to family, as demonstrated through her love of her husband and four children,
makes her a valuable addition to the Kev Ntseeg Leej Niam Kee Tiam Vaj Lis Thum, Niam Ntuj
Plawv Yis Fai and the Zos Ntuj Hmoov Ntuj Community Land Trust project.

Shoua Vang, Board Member (Hau Zej)

Shoua Vang is a dedicated entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience, demonstrating a remarkable legacy of success in the business world. Together with his wife, he has been the helm of a thriving small business that specializes in offering a unique blend of American, Hmong, Thai, Lao, and Cambodian fashion. Their business, Dok Champa, is not only a retail hub but also a place where they provide customized clothing services, ensuring that each customer receives tailored and high-quality products. With a commitment to excellence, Shoua and his wife have made customer satisfaction a top priority in their business operations. Their attention to detail and exceptional customer service have contributed to the continued success and positive reputation of Dok Champa.

Prior to venturing into entrepreneurship, Shoua gained valuable knowledge and skills during this six-year tenure as a Cashier at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. This experience equipped him with a solid foundation in customer service and business operations, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.

Shoua’s dedication to customer service was translated to community service in his 8-year tenure as a council member for Kev Ntseeg Leej Niam Kee Tiam Vaj Lis Thum, Niam Ntuj Plawv Yis Fai. During his time, he utilized his entrepreneurial expertise and customer-centric approach to play a pivotal role in the organization’s initiatives. His remarkable contributions include facilitating the acquisition of a 210-acre property for the development of Zos Ntuj Hmoov Ntuj Community Land Trust in which the organization aims to create a low-income housing development project to provide affordable housing for community members in need. Driven by his passion for making a positive impact in people’s lives, Shoua expressed “I will do everything I can to help our low-income housing development project become a reality so we can provide affordable housing for our community members. I want them to have a place called “home” and live a happy life.”

Shoua’s professional journey reflects a fusion of entrepreneurial success, community leadership, and a genuine desire to create positive change. His story exemplifies how business insight, dedication to service, and a compassionate heart can converge to make a meaningful impact on both the business world and community at large.

Dr. Luangchee Xiong, Board Member (Hau Zej)