HMoob Excellence Awards Recipients

​This award recognizes a notable HMoob community member who has made an impact and/or contributed to the Chippewa Valley HMoob community. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the growth and development of the HMoob community through their personal and professional efforts, paving the way for all of us to thrive and be liberated.

Blia Schwahn is a longtime advocate for Hmong families, Hmong youth, and Hmong women, believing in building bridges and being the change she wants to see in the world. She does this through her participation in various initiatives and committees such as the City of Eau Claire’s Racial Taskforce, Clear Vision Eau Claire, ECASD’s ELL Study and Diversity Committee, the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association’s Partnership for Strong Hmong Families, Hmong Women Summit, Eau Claire Public School Foundation, ECASD Equity Committee, ECASD Spring Diverse Artist Series, ECASD EDI Grant Committee, Eau Claire Chamber’s EDI Committee, ECAHMAA’s Hmong New Year, Hmong Fest, and Hmong Youth Day. Blia is also the co-founder of ECASD Hmong PTA and founder of ECASD Hmong Club, ECASD Infinitive Group, and Hmong Family Education and Wellness Group.

Ask any of the Hmong adults in the Eau Claire area, and each and every one of them will have an inspiring story to share about how Blia has impacted their life, how she continues to support families, often going above and beyond her call of duty as ECASD's Community Liaison, and how she continues to have a positive impact in the community.

We are incredibly honored to award Blia Schwahn for her ongoing commitment, contributions, and selfless acts of service to children, families, and the community.

The phrase "ntuj tshiab" translates to "new world" indicative of the impact of an emerging leader. This award recognize an outstanding young HMoob leader within our community who is creating new ways of being. This award honor and celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their community, their peers, and themselves and engage in community in ways that uplifts and empower others.

Casey Moua (she/hers), passionately supports queer youth, fostering an environment where everyone is both a teacher and a learner. Their impact is enduring, as they constantly expand inclusivity, ensuring all voices are heard. Casey's activism with Hmong youth transcends age and culture, going the extra mile to empower and validate others. Their unwavering dedication to creating a liberated world, especially for BIPOC queer and trans youths, is radical and inspiring.

Casey's ability to live loudly, freely, and unapologetically as themselves is radical. They are not only living their truth by living out loud and proud - they are also living the truths of those who came before them, the truths of queer youth and elders who may not have a safe space to come out, and makes it loudly known that they are a safe person to be in community with.

Casey is always thinking about how to best support queer youth as the first Queer Advocate at the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Inc. Through this, she is cultivating innovative ways of being for all of us as a community.

We are honored to present this inaugural award to Casey. Congratulations and we look forward to the amazing work you will continue to do in our community.

This award honor a business that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to giving back to the community, casting a wider impact for all. This award aim to celebrate and recognize a local HMoob business that go above and beyond in their efforts to make a positive impact in the community.

Amerasian Market emerged as a beacon of community engagement and philanthropy through its commitment to supporting local nonprofits. Through generous donations of Asian/Hmoob culturally specific food items, the market has not only met essential needs but also preserved and celebrated cultural heritage. This initiative underscores the market's profound understanding of the diverse needs within the community and their dedication to bringing culturally specifics foods to the local community.

Amerasian Market also work to foster a spirit of collaboration by actively engaging with other local businesses and organizations. By forming strategic partnerships and alliances, they have amplified their impact and created a network of support that transcends individual enterprises. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the local economy but also cultivates a sense of solidarity and interconnectedness among Hmong community members, organizations, and allies.

In setting an exemplary standard for small businesses, Amerasian Market serves as a testament to the transformative power of corporate social responsibility. By integrating philanthropy into their business model, they have demonstrated that profitability and social impact are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are symbiotic elements that can catalyze positive change and inspire others to follow suit.

Amerasian Market stands as a shining example of how small businesses can be powerful agents of social change. Through their altruism, inclusivity, and collaborative spirit, they have not only enriched the fabric of our community but also ignited a ripple effect of compassion and generosity that reverberates far beyond their storefront.