Mala is a Hmong/Thai refugee American who’s passionate about creating an equitable and positive working space for all. She is a daughter of small business owners who bring community together through food. She grew up in St. Paul’s Eastside and now calls the city’s Frogtown neighborhood home. She started her career in philanthropy almost 25 years ago and currently is at Greater Twin Cities United Way. Mala is a fierce advocate for social justice and has volunteered on boards and committees, such as Facilitating Racial Equity Collaboration and The Market Entry Fund. She has been appointed by the Mayor of St. Paul to serve as Commissioner of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) and has also been appointed by the Metropolitan Council to serve on the Livable Communities Advisory Committee (LCAC). When she’s not working or fighting for social justice, she spends her time as a foodie.