Our Story

Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv began as a vision sparked by Hmong medical students Viangkaeo Lee and Lillian Vang during their first year of medical school. Recognizing the deep cultural significance of community gatherings in the Hmong community, they sought to merge cultural celebration with health promotion. With the support of fellow Hmong medical and pre-health students and in partnership with the Fresno Interdenominational Refugees Ministry (FIRM), this vision became reality in July 2023 with the first-ever Hmong Health and Cultural Fair in the San Joaquin Valley. The event drew over 350 attendees and featured traditional Hmong dance, music, and storytelling alongside health screenings, COVID-19 vaccinations, Narcan training, and educational exhibits.

In 2024, Hmong medical student Tou Bee Thao took the lead in expanding Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv’s efforts, launching culturally tailored community health lectures to address common conditions like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. These sessions integrated Hmong cultural perspectives with medical knowledge, empowering families to take control of their health. Today, Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv continues to serve the Hmong community through health education, preventative care, and health screenings.

Founded by Hmong medical students, Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv recognizes the shortage of Hmong physicians and the barriers preventing many Hmong students from pursuing medical school. The organization is committed to increasing the number of Hmong healthcare providers by fostering mentorship, leadership, and educational opportunities. Strengthening the presence of Hmong professionals in medicine ensures more culturally responsive care and better health outcomes for future generations.

What began as a summer community enrichment project has now grown into a nonprofit organization, dedicated to sustaining community outreach, health education, and mentorship for aspiring Hmong healthcare providers. Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv continues to expand its impact, ensuring that the Hmong community receives the culturally informed care and resources it deserves.

Person holding a pink stethoscope shaped like a heart, wearing blue clothing and rings.

Board of Directors

  • Board President

    Board President

Meet the Team

  • A medical student wearing a white coat and stethoscope, smiling outdoors.

    Viangkaeo Lee, BS, MS4

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Tou Bee Thao, BS, MS3

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

  • Lillian Vang, BS, MS4

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

  • Nickie Yang, BS, MS1

    GRANT DIRECTOR

  • Pahoua Yang, BA

    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

  • Rose Vue, BA

    SECRETARY

  • Smiling woman with long hair wearing a colorful, traditional-style outfit, standing outdoors with grass and sky in the background.

    Anna Yang, BS

    DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Founding Committee

Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv would not be where it is today without the dedication and contributions of the founding committee. Their support in organizing our first event demonstrated that this vision was not only possible but also essential in creating lasting benefits for the Hmong community. We are deeply grateful to the following founding committee members: Nou Chi Her, Dr. Pachoua Lor, PharmD, Ger Xiong, Nou Vang, Destiny Thao, Wameng Lee, Kalista Vue, Muajmeej Xiong, Padouachi Heu, Paula Cha, Vilai Yang, and the dedicated leadership team and staff at Fresno Interdenominational Refugees Ministries, whose guidance and commitment played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.

Disclaimer

Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv is an independent, student-led nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health education and access in the Hmong community. While several of our members are medical students at UCSF School of Medicine, this organization is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to UCSF or any of its departments. All views, initiatives, and activities conducted by Koom Tes Tiv Thaiv are solely those of the organization and its members.

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