2025 Recipients
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Dr. Pa Kou Her Legacy Scholarship– Maim Xyooj (Mai Xiong)
Scholarship Sponsored by Dr. Pa Kou Her’s Family & Friends
This meaningful scholarship is generously sponsored by Dr. Pa Kou Her’s Family and Friends in honor of her enduring legacy. 🌿🎓
Born in Ban Napho Refugee Camp and raised in Fresno, California, Maim is the ninth of twelve children and the fourth daughter of Lig Yaj and Zoov Tsua (Ntsuab Yeej) Xyooj. Her journey led her to Madison, Wisconsin, where she chose to live, learn, and grow alongside fellow HMoob people outside of California.
Currently pursuing a Joint Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and a PhD in Social Welfare at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Maim is deeply committed to exploring culturally-rooted and community-centered healing. Her research focuses on historical and HMoob spiritual practices of healing, and she aims to promote integrative, equitable health and policies that uplift and honor all communities.
When asked about her vision, Maim shares her dream to celebrate the completion of her doctoral journey surrounded by her HMoob community - uplifting the traditions, resilience, and love that guide her.
Maim’s dedication to healing, justice, and honoring cultural wisdom is both powerful and inspiring.
First Generation Scholarship – Mai Xia Chang
Scholarship Sponsored by HWCC and Mai Yer Yang & Ge Yang.
This scholarship is proudly sponsored by HWCC and Mai Yer Yang & Ge Yang.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mai Xia has always felt a deep-rooted connection to her hometown and the community that shaped her. As a proud first-generation college student, she’s now breaking new ground as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, pursuing a master’s degree in Administrative Leadership with a focus on Higher Education. 🎓💼
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Mount Mary University in 2023, Mai Xia took a gap year to reflect and realign with her purpose. Guided by the words of a trusted mentor - “Be true to yourself and accomplish all your dreams slowly”, she found the courage to take her next step and apply to graduate school.
Now just two semesters away from completing her program, Mai Xia is passionate about advocating for and supporting first-generation students who may feel lost in their journey, just as she once did. Through her work and lived experience, she’s creating a path for others to feel seen, empowered, and capable of achieving their dreams.
First Generation Scholarship Recipient - Benjamin Moua
Scholarship Sponsored by HWCC and Mai Yer Yang & Ge Yang.
This scholarship is proudly sponsored by HWCC and Mai Yer Yang & Ge Yang.
Born and raised in Wausau, Wisconsin, Benjamin is a proud 2024 graduate of Newman Catholic High School and is now forging his path as a college student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
With a strong sense of justice and a passion for serving the public, Benjamin is majoring in Legal Studies and exploring future possibilities in Public Affairs and Law. Whether it’s in the courtroom, the community, or the classroom, Benjamin is driven by a desire to create lasting, positive change.
As he takes this next step in his journey, Benjamin continues to exemplify dedication, leadership, and purpose. We’re proud to support his dreams and excited to see all that he will accomplish in the years ahead.
Mental Health Scholarship Recipient - Silvia Xiong
Scholarship Sponsored by RPM Bodywork and thepixelbooth
This scholarship is proudly sponsored by RPM Bodywork and thepixelbooth.
Silvia is a graduating high school senior with a strong passion for numbers, a love for learning, and a deep sense of commitment to her family and community. With dreams of becoming a certified public accountant, Silvia is determined to pass the CPA exam and build a meaningful career in accounting, one that challenges her and brings her joy.
“I’ve always enjoyed math since I was younger, and I want a career that both pushes my abilities and allows me to do something I love,” Silvia shares. “But beyond work, I always make time for what matters - my emotional well-being, spending time with my family, and cuddling with my dog during my favorite movies or romance novels.”
Silvia plans to use her future career not only for personal growth but also to support and uplift her loved ones. “My family has always been my guiding factor. I want to work hard to succeed for all of us.”
Mental Health Scholarship Recipient - Ntsaiab Lee
Scholarship Sponsored by RPM Bodywork and thepixelbooth
This scholarship is proudly sponsored by RPM Bodywork and thepixelbooth.
This fall, she will begin her college journey at Marquette University, ready to take on every opportunity that comes her way.
A dedicated athlete, Ntsaiab has competed in soccer and cross country and enjoys staying active through sports like volleyball even if she says she’s “not very good at it” (we don’t believe her!). ⚽🏃♀️🏐 Beyond athletics, she’s also a creative at heart - an avid reader of Asian comics and novels, and a writer when inspiration strikes.
“I love new adventures and taking any opportunities when they are given to me,” Ntsaiab shares. “As Hamilton the Musical said, ‘I’m not throwing away my shot!’”
Nontraditional Student Scholarship Recipient - Shouacua Xiong
Scholarship Sponsored by Paint Party B
This scholarship is proudly sponsored by Paint Party B in celebration of students who are boldly paving their own educational paths. 🌟🎓
Shouacua holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Wisconsin–Superior. A fierce advocate and intentional leader, Shouacua has made her mark through her service on the executive boards of the UWO Multicultural Student Coalition, Hmong Student Union, and Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc.’s Theta Chapter.
She also brings her passion for equity and community into her current role as a board member of the Northeast Wisconsin Rainbow Collective. During her undergraduate journey, she served as a student worker for the TRIO SSS Program and interned at both the UWO Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Resource Center, gaining vital experience in student advocacy and support. 🌈💪
When she’s not studying or leading change, you might catch Shouacua curled up with a book, hunting for treasures at a thrift store, or enjoying a K-Drama binge session. 📖🛍️🎬
Community Impact Scholarship Recipient - Jasmine Xiong
Scholarship Sponsored by ElevAsian
This scholarship is proudly sponsored by ElevAsian, in recognition of young leaders creating meaningful change in their communities. 🌟🎓
A proud graduate of the Hmong American Peace Academy and the eldest of four siblings, Jasmine is preparing to begin an exciting new chapter at Marquette University this fall. She will be majoring in Psychology and has already been accepted into the university’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OT) program - an incredible accomplishment! 🧠🩺
Driven by her passion for helping others, Jasmine is deeply committed to becoming a strong advocate and representative for the Hmong community within the healthcare field. Her dedication to service and cultural representation fuels her mission to make a lasting impact as a future occupational therapist.