Thao Yang was born in the summer of 1976 to Wa Pao Vang and Sia Vang. At a young age, she fled to Ban Vinai Refugee Camp to escape persecution from the Communist Vietnamese forces. She lived there until 1991, helping her mother sew and sell paj ntaub, where she developed a deep skill in Hmong embroidery.
In 1997, Thao arrived in the United States and eventually made her home in Madison, Wisconsin. There, she built a new life with her husband and children, surrounded by community and opportunity.
Though she doesn’t embroider as often now, Thao continues to live with grace and intention. She enjoys gardening and regularly attends the Southeast Asian Healing Center, where she finds joy, connection, and relaxation among friends.
Her life is a reflection of quiet strength, cultural pride, and resilience. Through every chapter—from Ban Vinai to Madison—Thao has remained deeply rooted in her heritage while embracing the beauty of a simple, fulfilling life.