Resume
Exhibitions and Projects
Presented 'Preserving Our Stories,' a solo exhibition drawn from my personal family archive — photographs, documents, and belongings left behind after my father's passing. The work explores memory, inheritance, and the preservation of Hmong immigrant narratives.
Preserving Our Stories: Starting Your Family Archive is a personal project rooted in academic research from my graduate capstone at the University of Minnesota and expanded through a fellowship with the Ramsey County Historical Society and Center for Hmong Studies. The project explores practical tools and approaches for preserving family and cultural histories, with a focus on Hmong immigrant narratives, and grew out of my own work archiving my family's history. That personal experience shaped the development of a guidebook and hands-on kits designed to help others begin building and caring for their own family archives.
Collaborated with author Txhee Belinda Xiong on the second edition of her anthology on gender-based violence, contributing to editorial work, print production, and graphic design. Co-curated the accompanying exhibition, taking part in curatorial decisions, installation, and display formatting to create an immersive community experience that brought the book's stories to life."
Fellowships & Publications
Served as a Hmong Community Fellow with the Ramsey County Historical Society and Center for Hmong Studies, developing a family archive preservation toolkit — including a guidebook and hands-on kits — rooted in Hmong history and immigrant experiences. Engaged with local archivists and community organizations to surface practical, locally-relevant resources for toolkit users. Advanced cultural equity by designing educational outreach that made archival preservation accessible to Hmong families and communities.
https://www.kaoleevang.com/portfolio-collections/projects/rchs-fellowship-panel-discussion-more
Graduate capstone research exploring family archiving practices and cultural preservation, with a focus on Hmong immigrant narratives. Published through the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, 2025.
A conversation and highlight about creative work and Kaolee Shop as a resident in the Denver Metro Area.
Recipient of the Karin L. Larson Legacy Scholarship, awarded through the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing and Professional Studies in honor of Karin L. Larson's legacy of supporting students. Featured as a scholarship recipient in the College's 2022 story, 'Point of Impact.'
Education
Capstone: Preserving Our Stories — Practical practices for preserving family archives & solo exhibition
Relevant Courses:
-
Facilitating Community Driven Leadership
-
Core Practices in Heritage Studies and Public History
-
Creative Entrepreneurship and Resource Development
-
Study Abroad: Leadership and Social Change in Ireland
-
Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Issues for Cultural Leaders
-
Marketing 6087: Power of Story
Over my winter break I spent 2.5 weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland, immersing myself in the study of history and political dynamics. The purpose of this endeavor was to establish a contextual foundation that would enhance my understanding of the Troubles, as well as contemporary leadership and social change. I aimed to gain insight and reflect on my own leadership and social responsibility.
Brigham Young University - Idaho | Bachelor of Arts Printmaking and Visual Communication | April 2016
Relevant Courses:
-
Graphic Design
-
Printmaking
-
20th Century Art History
-
Head Drawing
-
Book Arts
-
Visual Media
-
Expressive Drawing
-
Typography
-
Mass Media & Society
-
Twentieth Century Art
-
Environmental Stewardship
Core concepts around equity, diversity, and social justice. Deepening understanding of our own identities and how to work towards allyship and advocacy in our roles.
Additional Experiences & Volunteer
Grant Reviewer | Minnesota State Arts Board | October 2023
Served on a grant review panel for the Minnesota State Arts Board's Cultural Expression program, reading and evaluating community arts proposals for cultural authenticity and program fit. Reviewed projects ranging from cultural festivals and artist apprenticeships to documentation efforts preserving living traditions across Minnesota's diverse communities. Built hands-on experience in arts funding evaluation and cross-cultural assessment.
Joined Northrop Auditorium's advisory board in 2022 as the inaugural graduate student member and continued serving following my graduation in 2025 through the 2026 season. Co-led community outreach for '10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography' alongside the Engagement Manager, building partnerships with local Asian American organizations that expanded audience reach and deepened community belonging at the venue. Strengthened skills in event strategy, relationship building, and community-centered programming.