Uplift the Human Spirit
Uplift the Human Spirit is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering the Hmong community and people at large. We help community members believe in themselves, discover themselves, dream big, and create goals. We are passionate about giving back and do it in the form of educational programs, scholarships, career days, food drives and hold a variety of events that we deem necessary for the community. We are also passionate about preserving our heritage for future generations.
Meet Our Team
Susan Her
Founder / CEO
Susan is really passionate about those who are deserving, but under-served, ignored, voiceless, and oppressed. She wants to help as many people as she can and to inspire even more to reach their potential, so that they can help others along the way. She loves people and believes what we all can achieve together is dynamic. She has a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in counseling. In her free time she likes to travel.
Favorite quote:
“I am human, I consider nothing human alien to me.”
-- Terence
Daniel Vang
Chief Operating Officer / Chairman of the Board of Directors
Daniel is passionate about mentoring and uplifting others. He believes the key to growth and self empowerment is your perspective and knowing you always have a choice. He hopes to inspire people to dream big and fulfill their potential. Daniel is the first college graduate in his family and has a B.S. Electrical Engineering Degree. In his free time he likes to renovate homes and travel.
Favorite quote:
“All experiences are preceded by mind, having mind as their master, created by mind.”
-- Buddha
Pa Nhia Her
Secretary
Pa Nhia has always been passionate about giving back to the community. She strives to be a resource to help lessen the struggles within the community. She is excited to be a part of Uplift the Human Spirit to help further its work to strengthen and support the community. She enjoys traveling and hopes to travel through all of Asia in the future.
Favorite quote:
"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
--Paulo Coelho
Shelly Vang
Marketing & Relations Director
Shelly Vang has always been passionate about lending a helping hand. Born and raised in Stockton California, she developed her interest early on by volunteering at local elementary schools. Currently, Shelly is the General Manager of the La Quinta Inn Stockton. She has been in the hospitality industry for over 12 years and continues to use her leverage to serve her community. She hopes to inspire others to thrive and strive. In her free time, she enjoys camping and getting away from the city life.
Favorite quote:
“Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost”
-- unknown
Alyssa Zua Her
Boardmember
For over 20 years, Alyssa has been a K-8 educator, inspiring teachers, students, and parents to be life-long learners to empower themselves and their communities. Alyssa has a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a MEd in Educational Leadership. Currently, she is an elementary school Assistant Principal for Stockton Unified School District. Watching Korean shows and combing Hawaii's beautiful beaches are her ideal ways to relax.
Favorite quote:
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-- Ghandi
Jennifer Hang
Board Member
Jennifer joined Uplift the Human Spirit to provide guidance to others and help create outlets within this organization to reach out to people. She is passionate about her culture and excited about providing opportunities to give back to the community. She is excited to expand her mind and to help others do the same. In her free time, Jennifer loves to cook, travel, and binge watch crime documentaries.
Favorite quote:
"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."
-- Albert Einstein