(10/15/2024) Globally-recognized chef Yia Vang visited students and staff at Champlin Park High School - International Baccalaureate Programme (CPHS) on Oct. 10 to share his journey as a refugee to a student in the Midwest.
Vang is a James Beard award semifinalist and participated in the popular television show “Iron Chef.” He has made waves in the Minneapolis food scene at the Union Hmong Kitchen in the North Loop and the newly opened Vinai restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis. Vang has helped create “must-visit” establishments and pop-up restaurants in the Twin Cities - including the new location Vinai, recently named one of the top 50 restaurants in the nation by the New York Times.
Vang shared his story about growing up in a refugee camp after fleeing Laos before his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin. He started working in the restaurant business as a teenager, a job he didn’t always enjoy, but he discovered his purpose and passion through his love of food and culture.
Students listened to Vang’s story and concluded the day with a question-and-answer session. Finally, fans of the chef and his food, many students lined up for a photo opportunity or a selfie with the world-renowned chef. View photos from Chef Vang’s visit.
“This event impacted me in many ways,” said junior Jennifer Vang. “As a Hmong youth who’s the first generation of my family, I had the harsh reality of balancing my American and Hmong identities. Listening to Yia speak about our Hmong ancestors and the hardships they had to go through, reminded me of why it is so important to value our culture and spread awareness so it won’t be forgotten.”
Karina Lee, also a junior at CPHS, shared a similar experience.
“As he spoke, I felt a deep connection and realized that I wasn’t alone in my feelings and experiences,” Lee said. “After this event, I walked out of the auditorium knowing other people had walked down the same path as me. I’m thankful for this opportunity to listen to Yia Vang speak about his experience."
This experience was organized by the CPHS AVID team in partnership with the school’s Hmong Club and IB program coordinators.
