Minnesota state senator of district 67

When I left my home country of Laos over four decades ago for a new life in America, I could never have imagined I could one day be elected to public office. I have worked hard all my life, achieved bachelors and masters degrees, started my professional career as a computer programmer and later was able to start my own multimedia production company. I became interested in public service through my years of volunteering, working with many different groups to improve my community. As I told my senate colleagues on that first day in 2013, I was new to politics, though I was not new to helping people. Moving from a war-torn Laos to urban America, I have experienced much adversity and overcame many obstacles. This has given me a great appreciation for the struggles people go through and also a boundless optimism about what is possible when we work together. This is why I look forward to the challenges in this chapter of my life. I will serve the office of Minnesota State Senator to the best of my ability. As an American of Hmong descent and as your State Senator, I could not be more appreciative and thankful for your support and trust. We are neighbors, one community, and what we do together improves the lives of everyone.

Contact Information

Capitol Office  (651) 296-5285

Campaign        (651) 592-3129

P.O. Box 600336  St. Paul, MN 55106   info@founghawj.com  (651) 592-3129
Prepared and paid for by Foung for Senate 67 Committee


EDUCATION
• Rochester Institute of Technology, MS, Applied Science and Technology 2001
• University of Kansas, Lawrence, BA, Computer Science / Media Arts 1990

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICES
• Steering Committee, Gateway Food Initiative Coop 2011-2013
• Watershed Advisory Committee 2011-2013
• Board member, St. Paul’s District 2 Council 2004-2010
• Vice-president, Lake Phalen Townhome Association - served 2 terms
• Helped refugees in Thailand through UNHCR 1996

RECOGNITIONS
• State Legislative Leaders Foundation: Emerging Leaders Program 2015

• BILLD Fellowship 2014
• Snow and Ice Control Best Practices Certificate from MPCA 2012
• Department of Agriculture's Merit for Engaging Urban America 2011
• Confined Space Training 2009       • Bush Leadership Fellows 1998

LANGUAGES:  English, Hmong, Lao, Thai, some Chinese and basic ASL

HOBBIES:  Gardening, Fishing, Camping, Canoeing and more outdoor activities.


WORK HISTORY
• Multimedia Producer, Digital Motion LLC 1996-present
• IT Manager, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits 2002-2006
• Series Producer, Twin Cities Public Television 1991-1996
• Computer Systems Administrator, K&A Litho 1990-1991