Presidential Candidate: Meet Mai Bee Vue Lor

Mai Bee Vue Lor

Presidential Candidate for HSP 2024-2025

“Be a Champion for Change by Partnering with the Community”

My name is Mai Bee Vue Lor (Mrs. Chue Feng Lor). Currently, I hold the position of President at Hmong Southeast Puavpheej (HSP). In 1994, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Reading and English as a Second Language (with an ESL minor) from Eastern Washington University, followed by the completion of a Master’s Degree in Education from Washington State University in 1999.

I firmly believe in the mantra "Change is for the Better." My aspiration is that by shattering barriers and becoming the inaugural Hmong woman to hold the esteemed position of President at HSP, a role untouched for its entire 30-year history, I can serve as inspiration for other Hmong women to follow suit. Despite my petite stature, I am a trailblazer and a force to be reckoned with. I extend a warm welcome to all who share an interest in forging a more robust and progressive future, fostering collaboration between the youth of tomorrow and the elders of today, allowing for coexistence and mutual growth. I am thrilled to contribute my extensive knowledge and expertise, aiming to inspire and amplify the voices of both the youth and Hmong women alike.

I devoted 16 years to HSP before assuming my current position as President. During that time, I held roles such as Culture/Education Chair, Secretary, and Master of Ceremony for HSP from 2008 to 2021. I am confident of my knowledge of HSP as an organization and what our community needs as a leader. My education, experience and networking with both the Hmong and mainstream communities will excel our children and the community to the next level.

Prior to my involvement with HSP, I actively participated in multiple non-profit organizations across various states, engaging at different levels—local, state, and national. My roles included serving as Vice President for the Vue National Association, being part of the Board of Directors and Advisors for the YWCA in Spokane, WA, and holding the position of Vice President II for the National Lo-Pha Society. These experiences paved the way for my current role as President of Hmong Southeast Puavpheej.

Furthermore, I work as an educator at Blackburn and have dedicated over 29 years to the field of education. During my personal time, I find joy in activities such as singing, dancing, playing tennis, and delving into books to expand my knowledge of the Hmong culture and history. My deep passion for my culture and traditions motivates me to share them with others. This commitment is reflected in my role as the Culture/Education Chair with HSP, a position that ultimately paved the way for me to assume the role of President at HSP. Through collaboration and partnership building, I have established connections with the mainstream community, aiming to provide support for the Hmong community across the four southeastern states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Accomplishments for 2022-2023

June 2019

(Initiated and passed when I was the Culture/Education Chair)

• Promote Children’s Day and recognize children in the communities for their successes both academically and interests. We must continue to guide and promote our children for a higher education (males & females). The children are our FUTURE LEADERS!

June 2020

(I taught the Hmong language & literacy classes for HSP)

• Promote Hmong Language and Hmong Literacy classes for the Youth and ESL class for the adults (elders).

May 6, 2022

• Established the 1st Night Market at the HSP’s Cultural Park
• To utilize the Cultural Park for our community members to support the local farmers and promote Health and Wellness (family engagement & involvement)

June 25, 2022

• Established the 1st Career Fair Day held at the HSP’s Cultural Park
• Career guidance/mentorship for students and young adults
• Job opportunities for the youth and adults

September 2, 2022

• Established & awarded the 1st Youth College Scholarship Award
• High School senior students (1st year college/Freshman)
• 4-5 scholarships per year

October 8, 2022

• Hosted HSP’s 30th Year Anniversary Celebration

October 16, 2022

• Graded the 10 acres of land; “HSP’s Future Cultural Center Site”

September 30, 2023

• A walking trail (est. 2.0 miles) was created around the hill as a part of the 5K Walk. The trail will be used as a future route for the children & elders to walk around the Cultural Park and enjoy some recreation while visiting the park.

October 2, 2023

• A bridge has been built between the Night Market building across the creek to the new property– which will be used as “A Cultural Exhibit Site” in the future.

October 7, 2023

• First 5K Walk fundraiser for the Cultural Center (partnering w/ the community).

November 2, 2023

• Road paved (from the Main Entrance Gate towards parking)

November 8, 2023

• Installed Permanent “Welcome Sign”

Outreach Collaborations for 2022-2023

During my presidency, I actively sought collaborations with various entities to enhance the well-being of the community and support the development of our youth, and I will continue doing so in the foreseeable future. Here are some of the collaborations for 2022-2023

• Collaborated with K-12 Public Schools, local colleges and universities (CVCC, Lenoir Rhyne University, etc.) – provide resources to the K-12 schools and higher institutions about Hmong culture, arts and music. Dancers and performers represent HSP on various occasions in the community.
• Networking with the school system to better support our Hmong parents and K-12 children as well as those that will be entering early college/university, especially the high school seniors – going to be Freshman in college – Help gather resources for:
  • Student & FAFSA/ financial aid info.
  • College/University scholarships
  • College application, etc.
• Catawba County Schools (H.R.)
  • Networking for job opportunities– I was a member on the recruiting committee for minorities and making referral. This is in addition to HSP’s Career Fair.
• Continue networking/ bridging with city of Newton and city of Hickory for future assistance and educate them about Hmong cultures & traditions.
• HSP – will serve as a resource center for the Health departments, hospitals, and other private companies to better understand Hmong and the Hmong culture (possible training/workshop).
• Connecting with local businesses regarding sponsorship.
• Represented HSP on various occasions for 108 public engagements in the community both in the Hmong and mainstream communities since I became the President of HSP.

Goals for HSP - 2nd Term (Re-Elected)

Cultural Center Fundraising

• Continue fundraising/ seeking funds for the cultural center
• Move forward with Stage 4 (on the Cultural Center & restroom facility)
• A 5-year project plan for the HSP Facility
• Expanding the vendors area
• Additional parking

Hmong Culture Education

• Start initial process to obtain specialty license for Hmong cultural/ ritual practices/activities at the State level (ie: Ua Neeb, Khawv Koob, etc)

Scholarship Program (cont.)

• Continue to award scholarships– 4-5 students per year for entering college as a 1st year Freshman
• Continue to promote, educate & network students with professionals in field of interests

Language and Literacy

• Offer Hmong language and literacy courses during the summer
• Learn how to speak Hmong (Hais lus Hmoob) – for children
• Learn how to read/ write in Hmong (Sau/nyeem ntawv Hmoob) – for adults/ children

Outreach Programs

• Health and Wellness (Qhia txog kev kom nyob zoo, noj qab haus huv, txhob muaj mob)
• Substance Abuse Prevention (Qhia txog yaj yeeb, dej cawv, etc.)
• Mental Health Concerns/Domestic Violence (Pab daws kev nyuaj siab)