Pang Foua Yang Rhodes2013 Rising Alumni
Pang Foua Yang Rhodes is an outstanding clinician, researcher, and instructor who is a leader in her church and the Hmong community. She hosts a national weekly radio call-in show on RadioHmong, speaks on healthy relationships and domestic violence issues, and provides pro bono premarital counseling to young couples.
Employer
Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy
Argosy University - Twin Cities
CEHD Degree
Ph.D., Family Social Science
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
Interview Day. I arrived late, feeling frazzled and intimidated, but the faculty and staff were warm, gracious, and put me right at ease. I sat down for my individual interview with William Doherty, and was completely disarmed when he told me to call him "Bill." I had read his research and was in awe to be sitting across from him, so to be invited to address him as such was very memorable to this star-struck interviewee.
What skills are important to succeed as a young professional today?
Wisdom: knowledge tempered by experience and humility. It isn't enough just to have a strong mind. One must also have a compassionate heart that allows for relational choices that don't seem to make sense to the intellect and require being able to admit the possibility of being in the wrong. Patience: taking time and energy to develop and evolve, and give others the opportunity to do the same. Innovation: being able to see problems from new perspectives and to meet new challenges courageously.
What gets you excited about work?
Influencing the next generation of influencers.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A professional football player, preferably for the Oakland Raiders.
What was the impact and benefit of your experience in CEHD?
I chose the Family Social Science program knowing I would be learning from some of the most brilliant scholars and clinicians in the country. Who I am professionally has been indelibly shaped by the amazing faculty who have invested in me, personally and professionally.