Ka Vang
Contributing Columnist
DiversityKa Vang is a writer, playwright and children’s book author. She is the vice president of equity, inclusion, diversity and access for Meet Minneapolis, the tourism, convention and visitors’ bureau for the city of Minneapolis. She has also worked in higher education, as a journalist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and as a senior leader for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. A Hmong American, she was born on a CIA military base in Laos at the end of the Vietnam War and immigrated to the U.S. in 1980. She grew up in the Frogtown neighborhood in St. Paul and now lives in Prescott, Wis. She can be reached at kvangmpr@gmail.com or www.linkedin.com/in/ka-vang-edia-leader/.
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Latest from Ka Vang
Vang: Is Trumpism losing its hold on my red Wisconsin town, and others like it?
The election this week of a Democratic-backed judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court despite the efforts of Elon Musk may be a sign the tide is beginning to turn.
April 4, 2025
Vang: Why Minnesota should lead in banning AI nudification apps
A proposed bill in the Minnesota Senate would prohibit technology companies from making these images in the first place.
April 2, 2025
Vang: Immigration is a profound journey. A Trump ‘Gold Card’ visa would make it transactional.
Ask yourself which newcomers are truly invested in the experience.
March 19, 2025
Vang: How much screen time is OK for our children?
The official recommendations are murky; I read all about them on my phone.
February 28, 2025
Vang: What ‘justice’ apparently means in America these days
As a DEI officer myself, I’m not as worried about my job as I am about my safety, sanity and spirit.
February 19, 2025
Vang: Hmong cuisine is having a moment — make that a movement — thanks to these three Minnesota chefs
Diane Moua, Yia Vang and Marc Heu have been racking up accolades and lines at their Twin Cities restaurants, which are introducing Hmong flavors and twists to wider audiences.
February 1, 2025
Vang: New year, new inclusive traditions
On this MLK Jr. Day, let’s make a commitment to love by building new family traditions that reflect equity, diversity and inclusion.
January 19, 2025
Vang: There’s no place like Minnesota
The recent auction of Dorothy’s ruby slippers made me think about the search for home, and how so many of us from around the world have found it here.
December 28, 2024
Vang: Luigi Mangione is no hero
He’s not an underdog or one of us. He’s a man of privilege who thought he could get away with it.
December 12, 2024
Vang: Courting rituals, a stuffed chicken and egg rolls (and eye rolls) at Hmong New Year
I bring my children to this annual festival every year to try to preserve their Hmong heritage, despite their resistance. This year, I brought my non-Hmong in-laws for the first time, too.
December 3, 2024
Vang: How to be a good advocate for Native Americans this holiday season and beyond
“Learning about Native people from Native people” — from a contemporary standpoint and through their lens — “is the best way to learn.”
November 26, 2024
Vang: The Funny Asian Women Kollective's comedy show was a balm for bruised souls after the election
The Funny Asian Women Kollective, which is celebrating its 10th year, uses humor to bust stereotypes and share some important life lessons.
November 12, 2024
