Against the Current: The Extraordinary Rise of Kaohly Her: From Refugee Beginnings to St. Paul’s First Hmong-American Mayor — A Story of Courage, Change, and the American Dream
On a cold election night in 2025, history was made in St. Paul, Minnesota. Kaohly Her-a former refugee from Laos, a mother, and a tireless public servant-shattered barriers to become the city's first woman and first Hmong-American mayor. Against the Current: The Extraordinary Rise of Kaohly Her is the unforgettable story of a leader who turned hardship into purpose and hope into action.
Born in Laos and raised in Wisconsin after her family fled war, Kaohly Her's journey is a modern American epic. From a childhood marked by displacement to earning degrees in business and leadership, she never forgot the struggles of the community she came from. Her path to power wasn't paved with privilege or political connections-it was built on empathy, hard work, and an unwavering belief that representation matters.
This book takes readers deep inside her remarkable rise-from her early work in public policy to her election to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she championed issues like housing reform, public safety, and opportunities for immigrant families. It captures the courage it took to challenge a sitting mayor, the grassroots campaign that defied expectations, and the emotional moment she made history as St. Paul's first Hmong-American mayor.
But this isn't just a political story-it's a deeply human one. It's about the sacrifices of her parents who risked everything for freedom, the resilience that comes from surviving displacement, and the belief that even the quietest voices can lead cities and change hearts. Her journey reminds us that leadership doesn't require a perfect background-only a relentless drive to serve with integrity and compassion.
Readers will find in Kaohly Her's story a powerful reflection of the American dream reborn-a story of belonging, courage, and the fight for a more inclusive future. It's a must-read for anyone who believes that progress is possible, that diversity strengthens democracy, and that one determined woman can indeed change the course of a city's history.
Against the Current invites you to witness how resilience, authenticity, and purpose can redefine what leadership looks like in America today.
Read this book to be inspired by a woman who didn't just break barriers-she built bridges, uplifted communities, and proved that true leadership begins with heart.
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