Iya Xiong is a first-generation Hmong immigrant in a diaspora community that is well in St. Paul, Minnesota. After waiting years for a visa, Iya and her parents came to the US to join her siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In 2018, the Hmong community crowned Iya Miss Hmong MN. She was the first pageant winner born outside of the United States.

Getiria Onsongo grew up in Kenya. He first arrived in the US as an international student at a small liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduation, he continued to build his life and career as a computer scientist in the Twin Cities. Looking back at the string of circumstances and opportunities that have shaped his life, Getiria considers himself lucky and hopes to break down educational barriers for future generations.

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Ameeta Jaiswal-Dale grew up in India, in an area of the country well known for its apple orchards. She first emigrated to study economics in France where she received her doctorate from the Université de Rennes. After living and teaching in Minnesota for many years, Ameeta synthesised her knowledge of the apple industries and food cultures in India, France, and the United States to co-found Panache, a Minneapolis-based brand of artisan apple juice infusions.

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After living in San Salvador all their life,  Luis Angel Santos Henriquez moved to the US without speaking any English.  Once in the US, they became one of many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender-nonconforming immigrants who finally found a place where they can be safe and be themselves.  Since, Luis Angel completed Wellstone International High School, and is currently pursuing their bachelors degree in Human Services at  Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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When Fadumo Yusuf was in 8th grade, her family resettled to Minnesota. There a high school teacher noticed her aptitude for STEM and encouraged her to join a club focused on invention. Now, this Gates-Millennium Scholar works for a medical device company, writes short stories and poems, and mentors young girls pursuing STEM.

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