College applauded for project highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion
As Wisconsin celebrates Hmong Heritage Month, the College Marketing team is particularly honored to receive a national marketing award for a project highlighting alumnus Xiong Yang and his history-making career as one of only a few Hmong firefighters in Wisconsin.
The 2022 Paragon Bronze Award, for Successful Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Marketing, was given by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at the council’s national conference earlier this month.
In an article and supporting video for the Spring 2022 issue of Focus Magazine, Xiong shared his story of being a first-generation American-born, how the events of 9/11 inspired him to become a firefighter and how the FVTC Fire Protection program prepared him for his successful career.
“There were times I wondered if I was in the right program. Most classmates were bigger, taller and no one looked like me,” Xiong explains. “But my instructors were so knowledgeable and kept encouraging me. They always said that if they could do it, I could do it too. I just needed to keep believing in myself.”
“We are honored Xiong shared his family’s story of perseverance with our team, and in turn, trusted us to share it with our college community,” says Barb Dreger, director of College Marketing. “Xiong is using his profession as an outreach tool to embrace diversity in the community and inspire Hmong children to think about their future. Neenah Menasha Fire Rescue is fortunate to have Xiong on its staff; we are fortunate to call Xiong an FVTC alum.”
NCMPR’s Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges. The 2022 Paragon Awards drew 1,726 entries from 323 colleges across the country and was judged by more than 40 marketing and public relations professionals.
Read Xiong’s story: History-Making Career
