Kha Yang, AVP for Inclusive Excellence
“Creating space to discuss the meanings and values of diversity, equity and inclusion is essential. If we don’t have a shared understanding, then this creates barriers for change. This journey is not about a specific group. Our commitment is about equitable access, development and opportunity for all.”
Biography of Kha Yang
Kha Yang joined the University of St. Thomas in July 2019 as its first Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, a crucial leadership role to guide the university’s ongoing journey to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive. Leading the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Yang brings more than two decades of experience as a campaign organizer, human rights investigator and inclusive program developer.
Throughout her career she has worked as Inclusion Programs and Workforce Reporting Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis; an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity consultant and human services investigator for Minnesota Department of Human Services; a human rights investigator for Minnesota Department of Human Rights; an arbitration coordinator for National Arbitration Forum; and as an international campaign organizer for Services Employees International Union. Yang also is a longtime entrepreneur, owning small businesses in translation services and in real estate.
Yang earned her bachelor’s in criminal law and political science from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Master’s in general management and organizational behavior and leadership from Harvard University.