Cha Billy Vang (he/him) brings over a decade of youth work experiences, ranging from student advising/mentoring, to academic support, to college access coaching. His involvement in student success derives from his abundant knowledge and experience in working with first generation students, with students who need assistance in identifying resources to be successful, and with being a friend to those who simply need support in achieving their lifelong dreams.

Cha Billy was born and raised in the east side of Saint Paul where he graduated from Harding Senior High School and first discovered his love of wanting to pay it forward in the educational realm. He then went on to complete his bachelor’s degree in youth studies from the University of Minnesota, making him the first in his family to obtain a college degree. While navigating this journey alone for most of his time in college, he recognized the difficulty of obtaining a postsecondary education when one has little to no access to the necessary resources.

After graduating, he began his career with the Page Education Foundation, where he promoted the Page Grant scholarship to students of color all across Minnesota. He then went on to explore his passion for teaching youth, working as a paraprofessional and supporting students in their academic journey. In all of these career experiences, Cha Billy held on tightly to the common thread of inspiring youth to become great people.

As an older brother and uncle, even at home he continues to pay it forward with hopes that each of these loved ones can one day achieve all of their life aspirations. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games, having movie nights, listening to and creating music, and spending quality time with his family and friends.