Vicky Xiong-Lor
Dr. Vicky Xiong-Lor is a dedicated educator, cultural advocate, and higher education leader whose career spans more than three decades in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education. Originally coming to the United States as a child, she discovered her passion for teaching at an early age by helping educate her younger siblings. Over the years, she built an impressive career that included roles as an elementary teacher, vice principal, high school Hmong language instructor, and university professor. Today, she serves as Coordinator and Assistant Professor of the Multilingual and Multicultural Education (MME) Program and the Hmong Bilingual Authorization Program at California State University, Fresno, where she works to empower educators and support culturally and linguistically diverse learners.
Throughout her career, Dr. Xiong-Lor has remained deeply committed to preserving and reclaiming the Hmong language and culture. In 2017, she helped establish Hmong language programs at local high schools, building the curriculum and advocating for greater representation of Hmong students and educators in public education. Her work focuses on multilingual education, bilingual teacher development, curriculum design, and language preservation, particularly for Indigenous and heritage languages. She also serves as principal investigator for the Central California World Language Project, where she promotes equity, language access, and opportunities for women of color and multilingual communities. Her dedication to educational leadership and cultural advocacy earned her recognition as the 2022 World Language Teacher of the Year by the California Language Teachers Association.
Beyond academia, Dr. Xiong-Lor is respected for her leadership within the Hmong community. She made history as the first Hmong woman clan leader in her culture, a role that involves guiding families and supporting community traditions through weddings, funerals, and conflict resolution. Balancing her professional responsibilities with family life, she is also a proud grandmother who values mentorship, service, and cultural connection. Through her teaching, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Xiong-Lor continues to inspire students, educators, and community members while advancing opportunities for multilingual learners and preserving the rich heritage of the Hmong community.
• California State University, Fresno - EdD
• World Language Teacher of the Year 2022
• California Language Teachers Association
• National Hmong Teachers Coalition
• Central California Asian Pacific Women (Former Board Member)
• Central California World Language Project (CCWLC)
• First Hmong Woman Clan Leader
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of the many mentors who have encouraged my professional growth, especially Dr. Jenna Cushing-Lubner, whose coaching and advocacy for emergent bilinguals and language reclamation work have greatly influenced my journey since we met in 2019. Beyond mentorship, my success comes from my passion for education and my commitment to preserving our language and culture. In 2017, I chose to build Hmong language programs from the ground up instead of pursuing a principal position because I knew this work aligned with my purpose and values.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from the many mentors who encouraged me to continue growing professionally, develop my leadership skills, and pursue opportunities that aligned with my passion for education and cultural preservation. Their guidance taught me the importance of staying committed to meaningful work and continuously investing in personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the education field to pursue leadership opportunities, remain committed to lifelong learning, and stay connected to their cultural identity and values. I believe it’s important for women to confidently use their voices, advocate for meaningful change, and create a positive impact within their schools and communities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is ensuring that language and cultural programs continue to receive the support and resources they need, especially for historically underrepresented communities. At the same time, there is a growing opportunity to expand bilingual education, strengthen language reclamation efforts, and create more inclusive learning environments that honor students’ cultural identities and experiences.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are education, cultural preservation, family, leadership, and community service. I believe in uplifting others through knowledge, representation, and mentorship while staying connected to my cultural heritage and traditions. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and playing soccer, and I was proud to participate on a mother-daughter soccer team for 10 years. I’m also passionate about writing and hope to publish several Hmong-language children’s books in the future.
Locations
California State University, Fresno
Clovis, CA 93611