National HERE Conference (HMong Economic Advancement Research Equity)

The HMong | Economic Advancement| Research |Equity (HERE) Conference is the first National Hmong Entrepreneurs’ Conference. The purpose of the conference is to Igniting HMong and Ethnic Entrepreneurs’ Prosperity and is intended to address wealth equity for HMong and other ethnic entrepreneurs by examining systemic barriers that currently exist. The conference explores non-traditional models of wealth building and emphasizes on uplifting non-traditional pathways to education and leadership. The conference is informed by the HMong Economic Advancement & Capacity Building Research conducted by HALED and its partners to examine systemic and cultural barriers for HMong Entrepreneurs.

OUR BACKGROUND

We believe in building trust and networks that continue to connect resources, overcome systemic and cultural barriers, and provide knowledge that will move our communities forward from self-sustainability, to prosperity.

More than 45 years after the first Hmong refugees came to America, second- and third-generation HMong Americans still face obstacles to building their social and economic capital. For the longest time, our story has been told by those who does not walk our shoes. Our struggles and barriers has been determined by a monolith approach.

We believe that obtaining wealth and leadership is beyond the traditional educational learning system and that a degree does not define an individuals wealth building success but the lived experience that one brings with them. Not every approach to financial growth works for every person.

The HERE Conference provides a platform for HMong and Ethnic entrepreneurs and community members to own their story and change the narrative that has been told on their behalf. The goals of the conference is to Build, Address, Elevate and Connect the needs of HMong and ethnic entrepreneurs, leaders, and community members.

The HERE Conference is not just a conference, it’s our MOVEMENT to Re-Claim, Re-Envision, and Re-Shape the current system that creates more equitable opportunities to achieve economic wealth and social equity for HMong and Asian Americans through collective advocacy, leadership development, and access to resources.

Learn More about the HERE MOVEMENT Today!

Our CEO’s Perspective on Economic Well Being

“As an organization that focuses diligently and intentionally to address economic and social disparities, we must focus on building intentional and meaningful relationships to establish culturally competent ways to address economic and workforce disparities, create intentional community development and provide space for impactful leadership development and education.

As we build meaningful relationships with underserved, suppressed communities and communities of color across Wisconsin, we have found that one system does not work for all. We understand that, just as we need our five senses to learn, people and communities also learn in different ways. The life and cultural experiences or barriers define what success could look like for individuals or communities. That’s why it’s so important that in this new era, we learn from the flaws of our current system and start building a system that is culturally relevant and inclusive of all backgrounds and learning experiences.

We are optimistic that if Wisconsin can create equitable and safe spaces that are culturally inclusive for communities and successfully create a cultural shift in how our current system is practicing, we can all do better together and help communities build generational wealth.:”

Featured in Wisconsin Tomorrow by WEDC

Mai Xiong, Founder, President & CEO, HALED

HERE Conference Chair

What the HERE Conference Offers

Skill Building Workshops

Whether you are a HMong or Ethnic entrepreneur, professional, or grassroots organization; our skill building workshops has something to offer each of you.
Support Groups

Walk away with a sense of support and community. We create safe spaces for you to be heard.
Purposeful Networking

Come expand your networks and build your social capital at the conference. Networking is your biggest success tool and we have all the right people for you to build life long relationship with.
Gain Resources to Grow Your Business

Don’t miss out on your next growth opportunity because you weren’t connected with the right resource or equipped with the knowledge needed to access untapped programs and grants opportunities.
Connect with Decision Makers

HERE’s your chance to connect with decision makers and folks within the industry that can possibly take you soaring in your business growth. They are here to connect with you.
Learn from Industry Experts

Learn about the most current techniques and data tools that can help propel your institution and move you closer to leading your business and your community to ultimately help you grow your own audience.