Executive Director

Linda Lelis-Her 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.

Associate Director

Zong Vue 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

Advocacy & Policy Manager

My name is Tenzin Choesang, 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).

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.

Organizing Manager

This is Andy Vue. 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.

I recommend to most folks they should watch more foreign films and to watch City God. As for books I would recommend Ted Chiang's Story of My Life. It's a good short story for folks like me who struggle to stay consistent with reading books.

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.

Policy Intern

Staël Kpetsu is a University of Minnesota student majoring in Global Studies and Sociology of Law, Criminology and Justice, with a minor in Spanish. She grew up in Togo, West Africa, where she developed a strong interest in Women’s Rights, before moving to Minnesota to further her education. Staël has interned with the Advocates for Human Rights, created a gender-based violence advocacy organization (CASEA) on campus, volunteered at shelters and constantly seeks opportunities to make a difference in her community. She is interested in International Law and Public Policy, hoping to later tackle our nation’s most pressing social issues through a Human Rights approach. When she is not working, Staël enjoys reading, dancing, traveling and spending quality time with her loved ones.