Tia is a Senior at Gonzaga University, double-majoring in Communication Studies and Sociology and minoring in Solidarity and Social Justice. In her work with APIC Spokane as the College Equity Ambassador, she engaged in civic engagement, lobbying for racial justice, and community outreach to support Asian Americans. She is currently leading the Asian American Activist group at Gonzaga University to promote a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus culture. In 2017, Tia was Miss Spokane's Outstanding Teen and went on to become Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen. She was the first Hmong-American state titleholder in the Miss America Organization. Tia enjoys dancing, creating art, cooking, and riding her bike on the Centennial Trail. She has a passion for advocacy work, especially advocating for the civil rights of Asian Americans, women's rights, and racial justice. She is looking forward to studying abroad in Thailand and South Korea next year. She is excited to learn more about her Hmong roots and traditions, Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness, Korean social movements, sustainable agriculture development and more.

Home University: Gonzaga University, Washington, USA

Host University: Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Spring 2023 | Universities Study Abroad Consortium (USAC)