Pa Der Vang

Pa Der Vang is Associate Professor of Social Work at St. Catherine University, teaching generalist practice with emphasis on social justice and empowerment theories. She holds a Ph.D. and MSW with LICSW certification. Her research examines Hmong American immigrant experiences, particularly acculturation processes and women's narratives, culminating in 'Staring Down the Tiger: Stories of Hmong American Women' (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2020).

Vang co-authored 'Direct Social Practice' (11th Edition, Cengage 2022) and teaches courses in group work skills, social policy, and small systems practice. She has served on the Minnesota Board of Social Work since 2017 (Chair 2022-2024) and co-founded the Minnesota Hmong Social Workers Coalition in 2015.