Executive Director

Linda is a visionary artist, community organizer, and Executive Director at Future of Us. A second-generation Hmong American queer feminist Minnesotan, her lived experience informs her commitment to justice and community power. For more than 15 years, she has organized at the intersections of gender justice, racial equity, and democracy while building movements, mobilizing communities, and cultivating new generations of leaders. Her leadership spans grassroots organizing, civic engagement, campaigns, and nonprofit strategy and fundraising. Grounded in storytelling and collective action, she advances political participation and expands power for Hmong, LGBTQ+, youth, and womxn communities historically excluded from decision-making. She believes collective action and community leadership can transform systems and build a more conscious, liberated, and just future.

Managing Director

Zong is a dynamic and evolving individual whose grounded routines and wide-ranging interests reflect both discipline and curiosity. She brings a balance of ambition, originality, and attentiveness to detail in both personal and professional life.

Working at Future Of Us developing individuals to engage and activated in our political process and workforce development is essential to a thriving society. The world needs more hope and care, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” — Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio aka Bad Bunny, baby. ;)

Zong’s self-care is essential to her well-being. Her approach is with intention and practicality: prioritizing rest, yummy food, and movement through yoga, running, and biking. Altogether, she is someone who blends adaptability with consistency, continually redefining herself while staying rooted in what matters most: evolutionary transformation in the mind, body and soul.

“We all do better when we all do better” - Paul Wellstone

Senior Director of Organizing

Emily is a Korean-American adoptee, and has lived in Idaho, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Growing up Korean in a white family in a predominantly-white community has motivated her to find ways to reconnect with Asian-American communities as an adult, and she is excited for the opportunity to get to know the communities of the Twin Cities area!

Emily gained her deep appreciation and commitment to grassroots organizing, inclusive community engagement, and people-centered storytelling via local, state-wide, and national organizing campaigns with climate action orgs 350 Wisconsin and 350 US, working on issues related to energy justice, fossil fuel resistance, housing and food rights, and ensuring a just and sustainable future for all.

In her free time, Emily enjoys old-lady hobbies including knitting, reading, and playing board games.

Campaign Manager

David, a first-generation Mexican-American, has always strived to help any community in need. Starting as an Education Advisor, he helped students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds plan their futures and navigate the many systems and obstacles in place for higher education, apprenticeships, and various other pathways. Through his work in education, he has seen firsthand the damage that poorly executed policies can inflict on vulnerable communities. David wishes to use his experience to advocate for and help others learn about their role in politics to better their communities. As the Campaign Manager, David will use his knowledge and skillset to rally the community, and amplify the voices of Asian-American youth.

Advocacy & Policy Manager

My name is Tenzin, a second generation Tibetan-American. I have a deep interest in East Asian politics and history, with a particular interest in the ongoing Sino-Tibet conflict. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a BA in Political Science and History, and received my Masters in Public Policy (MPP) from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. 

For around 5 years I served as the President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of Minnesota, a one of the largest Tibetan non-governmental organizations in Minnesota, advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Tibetans inside Tibet via political activism, advocacy/lobbying and raising awareness about the situation inside Tibet. During the weekends I also teach Tibetan music and dance to students of the Minnesota Tibetan Culture School. 

Outside of work I enjoy catching up on reading, a hobby I’ve unfortunately neglected the past few years, mainly reading history-based/non-fiction books. As I mentioned I also teach Tibetan music and dance, so I also enjoy playing traditional Tibetan instruments, such as the Tibetan guitar, or dranyen (dra - sound, nyen - sweet/melodious).

Organizing Manager

This is Andy. He was born and raised in Minnesota and has always felt drawn to his Asian refugee roots. That his home and people are tied to the world, not any one mountain or city. He has a deep passion for community and ensuring that everyone has access to a mic that empowers their voices.  He is hoping to travel the world someday but before doing so he would like to build his capacity to lead others to be courageously vulnerable.

If he is not in the community you can find him complaining about the tiring hike and hordes of mosquitoes or taking street photos and editing them to look Insta worthy. He will also enjoy the occasional live concert venue with good friends.

Communications Manager

Maly, a second-generation Hmong American, has a creative foundation rooted in preserving and reimagining Hmong culture through fashion design, photography, and videography. Through her work, she carries that legacy forward, telling stories and evoking experiences that show how culture can exist, evolve, and adapt within modern contexts. Her approach explores identity, belonging, and how culture continues to live and reform wherever we are. Beyond this foundation, Maly channels her creativity to make an impact and amplify the voices of the MN Asian community, applying storytelling and innovative approaches to support meaningful projects and initiatives.