Our Team
Meet the team behind HHR 5K! From brainstorming ideas to checking in people on race day, we support one another to bring the 5K to life. Each member plays a role in making the event a great time for the community. Together, we make HHR 5K more than just a race – it’s a space where community comes first.
Team Leads
Elizabeth Thao
Race Director
As a proud Hmong American mother, community advocate, and cultural preservationist, I’m passionate about creating spaces where our people can thrive—culturally, emotionally, and physically. My involvement in organizing the 5K, along with events like the NC Hmong Arts and Crafts Fair and KUV Camp, stems from a deep love for our culture and a desire to give back. Whether it’s preserving our language, empowering our youth, or building opportunities for wellness, I’m committed to ensuring our legacy continues strong.The Hmong Heritage Run 5K is a celebration of resilience, unity, and hope—and I’m honored to be part of it
Wilson Thao
Co-Sponsorship & Fundraising Lead
Growing up, the importance of being Hmong never really crossed my mind. I was a kid growing up who just wanted to enjoy life and figure out how to become successful for the people depending on me most. But as time went by and I started having little nieces and nephews, I started to realize that they didn’t know what Hmong is. They couldn’t even understand the language. Combine this with the passing of elders who knew the most about our history and culture, the new generation is bound to be lost. If we don’t do something now, our beautiful and meaningful Hmong culture, history, and language will begin to disappear. The truth is, it’s already begun, and that’s why I joined the HHR5K mission.
Joshua Xiong
Co-Sponsorship & Fundraising Lead
I am a part of this movement because I’ve always wanted to give back to my community in some way, shape or form! It’s no secret that the Hmong culture as a whole is slowly disappearing. The Hmong Heritage Run 5K event serves to generate funds to allow preservation efforts for the Hmong people and to serve as a movement to encourage a healthier lifestyle! These two purposes closely align with my own philosophy and ambitions. As a member of the committee, I am devoted to bringing experiences to our local community that will aid in maintaining everything about the Hmong culture! I am beyond excited to be a part of something that aims to help my own people thrive!
Jubilee Vang
Volunteer Coordinator
Hi! My name is Jubilee Vang, and I’m the Volunteer Coordinator for the Hmong Heritage Run. I’m excited to help create a smooth, welcoming, and meaningful experience for everyone who joins us. I love working with people, building connections, and making sure our volunteers feel supported and appreciated. Being part of this event means a lot to me. I care deeply about community, culture, and showing up for others, especially our youth. Whether I’m helping at cultural events, supporting kids’ programs, or volunteering in different spaces, I always try to bring warmth, organization, and positive energy into the work I do. I’m grateful to be part of the Hmong Heritage Run team this year and look forward to helping make this event memorable for our runners, families, and community.
Ker Lor
Course Logistics Manager
Hello!, My name is Ker Lor. I’m a part of this movement simply because I love our rich culture and hoping to have a place to preserve it for our children and many generations to come. What I’m most excited about the Hmong Heritage Run 5K is to promote health and wellness and calling our community to come build this together as a whole.
Geensia Xiong
Marketing & Promotion Lead
As a first-generation student with parents who were refugees, I have always been pushed to pursue the “American dream” and achieve what my parents couldn’t have back then. But throughout my journey, it feels like I lost a sense of who I am and what it means to be Hmong. Joining the Hmong Heritage Run 5K has allowed me to reconnect with my community and remember what it’s like to have people who share my heritage. Through this experience, I hope to help bridge the gap between Hmong youth and elders so we can celebrate our shared heritage and keep our culture alive for future generations.
Chong Cha
Finance
My name is Chong Cha, and I’m a small business owner, esthetician, and permanent makeup artist based in Hickory, NC. Before starting my business, I spent ten years working in corporate accounting and finance. Beyond my professional journey, I’m passionate about personal growth and giving back to the community that helped shape who I am today. As a proud member of the Hmong community, I believe our culture, language, and history deserve to be preserved and celebrated for future generations, which is why I’m honored to be part of the Hmong Heritage Run 5K and its mission.
Volunteers
Pazoo Yang
Marketing & Promotion Volunteer
As I grow older, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the Hmong culture and a strong desire to honor and preserve our history. I believe our heritage is a powerful foundation that should be celebrated and passed on to future generations.
As a graphic designer and digital marketing specialist, I use my creative skills to support cultural preservation through meaningful design and storytelling. I joined HHR5K because I believe it provides an important platform for unity, representation, and community empowerment. I am committed to contributing to a movement that strengthens and celebrates our Hmong identity for generations to come.
AJ Jennings
Course Logistics Volunteer
I’m so grateful that God is giving me the opportunity to volunteer for such a special event in the 3rd Annual Hmong Heritage 5k! It is truly such a great and special event! Last year, God gave me the opportunity to run in the 5k, and it was so great to be out there and run! God has also allowed for me the opportunity to volunteer with Team Dynasty! So, seeing the growth of basketball in the Hmong Community has been wonderful to see! The Hmong Community is very important to me and I’m grateful that God is allowing me to be a part of the volunteer team and such a special event in the community such as the 3rd Annual Hmong Heritage 5k!
Want to join our team?
Whether you want to help with planning the running course, getting sponsorships, or even marketing, we would love to have you on our team! Submit a volunteer form below.
