Yixiu
Chen
Term: June 2024 to January 2028
Yixiu Chen is an equity and inclusion education specialist within the State of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Ms. Chen returned to the state following graduate school with a newfound appreciation for Asian American communities and diaspora. She put her passion to work by serving as co-chair for the Asian Heritage Employee Resource Group at DHS. She currently provides leadership to staff at the State to ensure the advancement of equity and antiracism curricula.
Ms. Chen brings curiosity, passion, and a desire to center marginalized voices in problem-solving to her role on the Council’s Board. She enjoys gardening, hiking, cooking, and attending local cultural, arts, and community events. She joined the Council’s Board in 2024.
About the Vietnamese Minnesotan community:
The Vietnamese Minnesotan community is estimated at 32,622 strong, representing the 4th largest Asian Pacific community in Minnesota. In 1975, the first wave of Vietnamese refugees came to Minnesota following the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. Beginning in the 1990s more Vietnamese immigrants began to arrive in Minnesota seeking employment opportunities and reunification with their families. Of those who speak a native language other than English at home, 53% are considered limited English proficient.
