The Power of Her Voice

Iu Mien Women Shaping Our Community

For generations, the Iu Mien people have drawn strength from deeply rooted traditions. As a patriarchal society, men led with courage and wisdom, guiding our community through the most difficult chapters of our history. We honor that legacy, standing on the shoulders of giants whose leadership carried our people through the displacement of war, life in refugee camps, and the preservation of our culture in a new land.

Within our rich legacy is an often-untold story. The women of our community have long been the silent backbone—nurturing families, upholding customs, and contributing in ways that often went unseen and unrecognized. Their power existed quietly, their leadership unspoken, yet ever present.

In 2021, a new chapter began for Iu Mien Community Services (IMCS). For the first time in its more than 20-year history, both the executive director and board president were women. This milestone was more than a first—it marked a meaningful shift in tradition, a reclaiming of voice, and long-overdue recognition of the leadership Iu Mien women have always carried within them.

With their leadership came a renewed vision for the organization—one that embraced inclusion, honored tradition, and welcomed fresh ideas. They brought new energy to IMCS, championing programs focused on mental health, education, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment. Under their guidance, the agency grew more responsive to the diverse needs and lived experiences of the community, expanding what leadership could look like and who it could include.

This shift does not mean a rejection of our patriarchal roots, but rather an evolution of them. The men who led before laid a steady foundation, and many continue to support and uplift this new wave of women leaders. The future of the Iu Mien community is no longer held by a single voice, but the voices of all—rich, diverse, and strong.

The change is still unfolding, and there is still much work to do. But with the continued support of our community and the generosity of public donations, IMCS remains committed not only to providing essential services but also to developing the next generation of leaders. Every contribution strengthens a larger movement—one that embraces both tradition and transformation and prepares us for a future that honors the past.

I am deeply grateful to IMCS for creating a space where Iu Mien women are not just empowered, but truly seen and celebrated. Thank you for believing in our voices and investing in our growth.

To all the Iu Mien women—past, present, and future—a salute to your strength, your leadership, and your spirit. May your voices continue to rise, and may the world continue to listen.