‘My heart will always be Hmong’
American Family employee Ladda Young reflects on her heritage and Hmong American Day.
Sometimes it can be a struggle to identify as both Hmong and American. My parents and four of my siblings were born at the Ban Vinai refugee camp in Thailand, but my three other siblings and I were born in the United States.
I can’t help but compartmentalize what being Hmong American means. It’s a struggle I and so many Hmong individuals share — being stuck between two identities, two cultures.
But even as I say that, I recognize that my heart will always be Hmong. The first people I talked to, my first words, my favorite foods, where I find comfort, are all Hmong.
When I think about my two identities and focus on the reason behind Hmong American Day, I feel nothing but admiration for my people.
To read the rest of Ladda's story, see the ideas sharing site Medium.
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About the American Family Insurance group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 232 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has more than 13,500 employees nationwide.