Agenda

Schedule of activities for the Symposium on Hmong Americans on Friday, May 2, 2025. Subject to change.

 

 

9:05 – 9:10 AM
Welcome Address
Provost Xuanning Fu is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State University, Fresno, and a long-standing advocate for equitable opportunities and representation.
9:15 – 9:30 AM
Hmong in the World
Dr. Dia Cha is a renowned Hmong American scholar, author of Dia's Story Cloth, and one of the first Hmong women in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. Her research centers on Hmong diaspora, gender, and identity.
9:30 – 10:30 AM
The Origin and Current Situation of the Miao/Hmong Ethnic Group
Professor Zhang Xiao is a Miao/Hmong Chinese scholar, research fellow, and retired ethnology professor with a distinguished academic career.

 

10:30 – 11:00 AM
Xiud Yax Lus Qim: Religious Canon of Western Miao/Hmong in China
Dr. Yao Liang is an associate professor and researcher focused on Miao culture, language preservation, religious studies, and modern Chinese literature.

 

11:00 – 11:45 AM
Panel Discussion
Bringing together key speakers to discuss intersections of research, lived experience, and community engagement relating to culture and language. Joining the keynote speakers are Dr. Vicky Xiong-Lor (assistant professor leading the Bilingual Authorization Program) and Fresno State Students.
11:45 – 12:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Dr. Zhang & Dr. Lee will offer reflections on the symposium and highlight key takeaways for future work.
12:00 – 12:45 PM
Poster Presentations and Book Purchase
Featuring research and projects by Faculty, Staff, and Students from multiple disciplines exploring Hmong history, identity, and community issues. At the same time, keynote speakers Professor Zhang and Dr. Cha will have their books available for purchase.