Hmong-American leader and University of Minnesota Board of Regent Kao Ly Ilean Her died Thursday at age 52.
Her had a chronic lung condition and recently was exposed to the coronavirus, according to her sister, Sharon Her Edgens.
Born in Long Cheng, Laos, in 1969, Her’s family fled to the United States in 1976.
She graduated from Hamline University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and then from University of Minnesota Law School. She was the first Hmong woman admitted to the Minnesota Bar Association.
She founded several nonprofits, promoted leadership in women and girls, was a strong supporter of the arts and ran Hmong Elders Center, an adult day care in St. Paul.
“She was not just a pioneer for the Hmong community, she was a true connection point for all people in the Twin Cities. She was beloved everywhere she went,” Her Edgens said.
Her was a “big booster” for the city of St. Paul, too, her sister said, co-founding the Dragon Festival at Phalen Park.
“My heart is broken about the passing of long time community leader and trailblazer Ilean Her. You will be missed dear friend,” St. Paul City Councilmember Dai Thao posted on social media.
Her was executive director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans from 1997 until 2012. The organization said Her “worked tirelessly to advance the participation and representation of Asian Pacific Minnesotans, contributing so much to our communities and to making our state a better home for us all.”
Her Edgens said her sister got her drive for public service from their feminist parents, especially their father, Chad Vua Her, who was superintendent of schools in Long Cheng. He died in September.
UMN REGENT
In 2019, Her was elected as an at-large member of the U’s Board of Regents.
“We’re all devastated by this news. She was a great colleague and a strong voice on our board for diversity and inclusion statewide, and we’re going to miss her,” board chairman Ken Powell said.
University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel said she’s “heartbroken” over Her’s death.
“She was the warmest advocate and friend and also the fiercest,” Gabel said.
By law, the Legislature will elect someone to serve the final four years of Her’s term on the Board of Regents; however, the governor may appoint someone temporarily until the Legislature has the chance to act.
Family and friends are raising money for a memorial fund in Her’s honor.
A June 5-6 funeral is planned at Legacy Funeral Home in St. Paul.