APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – With students returning to school across the state, Appleton is taking steps to ensure people from all backgrounds feel welcomed this year.
The Appleton Area School District is hiring Pa Lee Moua as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, which will allow her to act as an advisor, strategic leader, and partner to support equity and inclusion.
Moua explains her own diverse background.
“I actually moved to the United States in 1985,” explains Moua. “My family was part of the third wave of Hmong refugees that came to the United States during that time.”
Since then, she has established strong roots in Wisconsin.
Moua has lived in Appleton for the last 23 years and graduated from Appleton North High School. She and her husband are also raising their family of four children in town.
Moua knows first-hand of the towns strong culture.
“Being very involved in the community here, I know there is a lot of good people, a lot of good agency, and a lot of good organizations,” she says.
She will now be transitioning from being an Associate Dean of Students at Lawrence University to serving as an advisor and strategic leader for the entire district.
She believes her professional and personal experience in the Appleton community will serve to her advantage in this new position.
“This was a great opportunity where not only will it be personal impactful, but also where I could make the most change and impact in students lives,” says Moua.
