Who We Are
Future of Us is a bold and vibrant force for political and social transformation, empowering young Asian Americans in Minnesota to harness their collective power. We cultivate a space where individuals can explore their identities, build lasting political momentum and engagement, and take action to challenge systemic barriers. Our work is rooted in storytelling, advocacy, and community building, ensuring that young Asian Americans are seen, heard, and influential in leadership and decision-making spaces.
Our Team
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Linda Lelis-Her
Executive Director
Preferred Name: Linda (she/her)
Position within FoU: Executive Director
Brief personal introduction: Linda is committed to a life-long work on social justice, and this purpose is informed by her lived experiences and visionary leadership as a Minnesotan born and raised, 2nd generation, Hmong American, queer-feminist. She has 15+ years of experience in activism and organizing at the intersections of gender and racial justice, non-partisan and partisan campaigns, and nonprofit work and fundraising.
Must read? your wound / my garden by ALOK
Favorite form of self-care? forest bathing, gardening, and reading and feeling poetry
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Zong Vue
Associate Director
Preferred Name: Zong
Position within FoU: Associate Director
Favorite form of self-care? Sleep, rest, eating, practicing yoga, running, biking.
Must read/watch? The residence, The curious case of Natalia Grace, The power of now
Sun, moon, rising? Sun: Capricorn; Moon: Aquarius; Rising: Virgo
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Xorr Xiong
Organizing & Partnership Director
Preferred Name: Xorr (like soar)
Position within FoU: Organizing & Partnership Director
favorite dish to eat recently? Baingan Bharta (eggplant curry)
Must read/watch? TV Shows: Sense8, Anime: Your Lie in April, Movie: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Sun, moon, rising? Sun: Virgo, Moon: Scorpio, Rising: Gemini
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Tenzin Choesang
Strategic Program Manager
Preferred Name: Tenzin Choesang
Position within FoU: Strategic Program Manager
What’s been your favorite dish to eat recently? My favorite dish is, has, and will always be Tibetan dumplings (“momo”). Tibetan momo with ranch (hot take) and Tibetan/Nepali hot sauce is a must.
Must read/watch? My favorite movie trilogy is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, specifically the 3rd movie (Return of the King).
Favorite form of self-care? I try to spend 1-2 hours a day going to the gym and working out because it’s important not only for my health, but also in keeping a disciplined regimen. I also try to take 15-30 minutes a day reading, whether it be historical/non-fiction books about political ideas/concepts/events, or fictional books. I think it’s nice to get a few minutes away from staring at my phone or laptop.
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Manisha (Misha) Ram
Executive Assistant
Preferred Name: Misha
Position within FoU: Executive Assistant
Favorite genre(s) of music? EDM & 2000’s R&B
Must read/watch? I’ve been rewatching any series by Mike Flanagan, my top 2 shows are “The Haunting of Hill House”& “The Fall of the House of Usher”
Favorite form of self-care? Going to concerts, in 2024 I went to 13 concerts or retail therapy
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Hyeonju Wang
Communications Manager
Preferred Name: Hyeonju
Position within FoU: Communications Manager
Favorite form of self-care: Working out and always having a supply of ice cream at home.
your favorite dish to eat recently: Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Must read/watch: One of my must reads is the Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. The audio book is also a stellar choice.
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Noah Chan
Field Manager
Preferred Name: Noah
Position within FoU: Field Manager
Your favorite dish to eat recently? I’ve really enjoyed Ethiopian food lately, especially with injera
Favorite genre(s) of music? Country, Hip Hop, electronic music, R&B, jazz, classical guitar, indie, pop punk, alternative rock, and more.
Must read/watch? Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
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Jordan
Phone Canvasser
Preferred Name: Jordan
Position within FoU: Phone Canvasser
Your favorite dish to eat recently? My favorite dish to eat recently has been lasagna!
Favorite form of self-care? My favorite form of self care is driving around to fishing spots, and walking up the docks to look at the fish, and feel the wind
Must read/watch? One book that people must read, and watch is “The Giver” by Lois Lowry!
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Kue Xiong
Canvasser
Kue is an adventurer, avid lover of music and film and enjoys biking across the city.
Board of Directors
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Crystal Lee-Thao
Board Chair
Crystal Lee-Thao is a Hmong-American woman and daughter of refugees. This identity has shaped her into a passionate, action-oriented educator, leader, and scholar with over 10 years of experience in education, particularly in STEM diversity and inclusion, program management, and administrative leadership.
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Michele Girard
Board Treasurer
Preferred Name: Michele Girard
Position within FoU: Board of Directors Member
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Sara Greenhalgh
Board Secretary
Preferred Name: Sara
Position within AAOP: Board of Directors
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Kayla Khang
Board Member
In her free time, you can find her vintage shopping or thrifting, on a walk in her neighborhood, or baking at home with her partner Joshua.
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Kevin Xiong
Board Member
Preferred Name: Kevin
Position within FoU: Board Member
What are your top 3 essentials to always have? I have to put Collagen cream on my face every single morning along with sunblock. It's a habit now and if I miss a day, I feel wrinkly and old. In the winter time, I can not go without my chapstick. Lastly, I have at least 3 diet pepsis per day. Its like a drug, I can’t function properly without it.
Favorite genre(s) of music? I have over 100 songs in my YouTube playlist, and 90% of my playlist are Hmong songs.
Favorite form of self-care? I get pedicures and manicures every two weeks. I usually opt for the most advance pedicure because its so relaxing to pamper myself. I have been going to the acupressure massages in the Mall recently, and I am now hooked. Getting my nails done :).
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Anja Bunge Dulin
Board Member
Preferred Name: Anja
Position within FoU: Board Member
What are your top 3 essentials to always have? An extra hair tie, phone, and salty snacks.
Favorite form of self-care? I LOVE spending my free time at a local pottery studio!
your favorite dish to eat recently? I’ve been testing out different mapo tofu recipes to find my favorite one!