May Houa Moua , 36

““My growing up years in America weren’t too bad. I was brought up as a traditional Hmong girl with strict family rules. My daily routine would be going to school, coming straight home, taking care of younger siblings and helping my parents. I was not able
to participate in after school activities until I was in high school, and even then it was with restrictions.

My family and I enjoyed quality family time. We would take long family drives in the country in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota, going fishing or picnicking.

I married at age eighteen. My husband and I mutually agreed to get married, so I followed him home in the traditional Hmong manner. I prefer to say that he took me home with him in the old fashioned manner of ‘bride capture.’ Our relationship has been good, loving and nurturing. There are changes in every marriage through the many ups and downs that either strengthen or weaken a relationship.

I have two daughters with whom I have a good and open relationship. I believe what makes me Hmong is my strong family and cultural values. A lesson I have learned as a Hmong woman is patience with positive persistency.

I consider my greatest accomplishment to be my dedication to my family, community and my work. I feel I’m at the top of my life making things happen. I have a supportive family and a great sense of where I am heading in life.

Women today are extremely dynamic! Many women know what they want and are not afraid to go after it. Hmong women today are going places regardless of the barriers placed in front of them. They are becoming more educated and are not afraid to show their talents. I would like to see Hmong women continue to explore their possibilities and pass their ideas and knowledge to young girls and share them with other women.
I would like the Hmong culture to give recognition to Hmong women and girls for their hard work and undying effort in making a difference in the Hmong community as well as the larger community.

I’m a simple Hmong woman who believes in unity through the embracing of diversity. Anything is possible when you pour your heart and soul into whatever you are doing.”

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Excerpt from May Houa's, written by Christa Xiong and photographed by Kou Vang.