It doesn't matter how wealthy and successful Hmong become as individuals. If their money isn't circulated in their own communities then we remain on the bottom of the economic food chain.
Just ask yourself how many times you see a Chinese person patron Hmong places of business?
They don't. They shop at their own and they do business with their own. Until you bring something to the table they won't even bother with you.
Jews do the same in the early part of the century in America. Once they have gained group wealth they become very valuable to mainstream. Only then can they have true political power.
The Hmong have none of this because our leaders and our wannabe leaders are dumb. Too many activities and community organizers detracting the communities from keeping the eyes on the prize.
Keep the Hmong dollar in the communities and this will create a strong niche for Hmong to become successful business owners. It's great to have STEM professionals but why not develop strategies that uplift even those who don't have degrees? This is what the Chinese and Vietnamese are doing.
Promote those who are academically-inclined but also create wealth pathways for those who aren't.
It can be done.
But alas, too many dumb wannabe leaders who still think having ONE Hmong New Year is the greatest and most important issue.
We gotta beat this one to the death.