Nyob zoo! My name is Michelle Chang. I am a second generation Hmong American womxn. My life experiences as an introverted Hmong girl shaped who I am today. I grew up in a low income home with no siblings until I was 15, very unusual for a Hmong family.  Thankfully, I was surrounded by strong Hmong women like my mother and grandmother growing up. Their stories taught me how important it is to be independent and to challenge traditional norms.   I now have two little siblings (ages 9 and 11) and I want to do what I can to make this world a place where folks can show up as their fullest selves! My parents’ stories of their resilience traveling across borders to get to the United States inspires me everyday. They lived their lives trying to survive. I recognize that because of them I get to live my life learning about who I am and how I can contribute to this world. So I am going to make it worth it. My identity as a second generation Hmong American influenced my growth and understanding of the world around me, and also my curiosity for the diversity of thought and cultures around the world.    One of my passions is traveling! I spent two years of my life traveling across China, multiple Southeast Asian countries, and India learning about the many “ethnic minority” cultures. Learning about the many “ethnic minority” cultures trying to survive despite the challenges of needing to adapt to the dominant culture taught me that there is never a right answer or way to live life. Traveling taught me that two truths can exist at once.   Now I work at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits as the Policy and Equity Coordinator. I am excited to continue learning about myself and effective change while mobilizing nonprofits across Minnesota to think more critically about how they can end disparities in power, money, access, and resources.