This year the Hmong National Development (HND), a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., celebrated its 15th year anniversary on March 27th through the 29th, 2008 in Denver, Colorado at the annual Hmong National Conference. Each year, hundreds of scholars, educators, and entrepreneurs from all over the country attend the annual conference to discuss various issues, topics and interests. The Hmong National Conference is just one component of many programs and resources that HND offers. HND also works with local and national organizations, public and private entities, and individuals to promote educational opportunities, to increase community capacity, and to develop resources for the well-being, growth, and full participation of Hmong in society.

HND was the outcome of visionary leaders who had been planning since 1987. HND continues to work and create opportunities that will meet the unique needs of the Hmong today and the needs of the next generations. Its three major priorities are self-sufficiency, education, and resource development.

The 12th annual Hmong National Conference in Detroit, MI was an amazing experience! From the beginning of the conference with Karaoke on Thursday evening, all the great workshops and speakers, the Special Events on Friday night, Saturday’s banquet honoring leaders and contributors in the Hmong communities, and of course the closing plenary session –it was a memorable event I’ll never forget. In the excitement of the HNC outcome, a group of us from different parts of the country: Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Michigan, became friends who shared similar interests) posed here for one last picture. The sun was rising from eastern Windsor, Canada across the Detroit River. The humbling morning illuminated the Marriott Hotel in downtown Detroit where we posed for our most memorable shot. It was 7am, and we had just returned from breakfast at IHOP. Since then, we’ve kept in contact… mostly discussing about our next encounter at the next annual HNC. – Cha Cheng

Click here to watch the HND Banquet Video from this years conference.