TEAM
OUR
ADMINISTRATION
PAO YANG
President & CEO
CHERI CRUZ
Director Public Relations
JENSEN VANG
Chief Financial
Officer/Chief
Development Officer
AMEE MOUA
Director of Human Resources
BE HER
Finance Director
CHAI VANG
Facilities, Safety, and IT Security Manager
PAO YANG
President & CEO
CHERI CRUZ
Director Public Relations
JENSEN VANG
Chief Financial Officer/Chief Development Officer
AMEE MOUA
Director of Human Resources
Director of Human Resources
CHAI VANG
Facilities, Safety, and IT Security Manager
BE HER
Finance Director
PROGRAM LEADERS
DAO LOR
Program Manager, Better Career Access Program
MAIYENG XIONG
CalAIM CS Supervisor
VERONICA THAO
CalAIM ECM Director
DR. GHIA XIONG
Director, Living Well Center & CRDP
CHRISTINA ALEJO
Holistic Wellness Program, CVRC and CBANS Director
PAMEE YANG
Program Manager,
Immigration Services
TENG VANG
Program Director,
Adult Day Healthcare Center
Program Director,
Adult Day
Healthcare Center
Pao Yang
President & CEO, The Fresno Center
Pao Yang
President & CEO, The Fresno Center
Pao Yang
President & CEO, The Fresno Center
Pao Yang
President & CEO, The Fresno Center
Pao Yang’s life is a powerful reflection of resilience, family, and the enduring strength of community. Born in Laos during the height of the Secret War—a conflict that devastated his homeland and displaced thousands—Pao’s earliest years were marked by uncertainty. His family fled to a refugee camp in Thailand, where they waited for a chance at a new beginning. That opportunity came in 1979, when they resettled in the United States. Pao was just six years old.
His American journey began in Wichita, Kansas, where he learned English, adapted to a new culture, and watched his parents work tirelessly to build a life from scratch. In 1983, the family moved to Fresno, California, to reunite with extended relatives and find a stronger sense of community. Fresno would become the place where Pao’s roots would grow deep.
His American journey began in Wichita, Kansas, where he learned English, adapted to a new culture, and watched his parents work tirelessly to build a life from scratch. In 1983, the family moved to Fresno, California, to reunite with extended relatives and find a stronger sense of community. Fresno would become the place where Pao’s roots would grow deep.
His American journey began in Wichita, Kansas, where he learned English, adapted to a new culture, and watched his parents work tirelessly to build a life from scratch. In 1983, the family moved to Fresno, California, to reunite with extended relatives and find a stronger sense of community. Fresno would become the place where Pao’s roots would grow deep.
His American journey began in Wichita, Kansas, where he learned English, adapted to a new culture, and watched his parents work tirelessly to build a life from scratch. In 1983, the family moved to Fresno, California, to reunite with extended relatives and find a stronger sense of community. Fresno would become the place where Pao’s roots would grow deep.
As a young immigrant, Pao faced the challenges of identity, language, and belonging. He found guidance and purpose through the California Cadet Corps at Tehipite Middle School. There, under the mentorship of Major Michael Davis and Valerie Davis—who would later become his God Parents—Pao discovered the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. He excelled in marksmanship and found confidence in structure, which helped him navigate the complexities of adolescence in a new country.
As a young immigrant, Pao faced the challenges of identity, language, and belonging. He found guidance and purpose through the California Cadet Corps at Tehipite Middle School. There, under the mentorship of Major Michael Davis and Valerie Davis—who would later become his God Parents—Pao discovered the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. He excelled in marksmanship and found confidence in structure, which helped him navigate the complexities of adolescence in a new country.
As a young immigrant, Pao faced the challenges of identity, language, and belonging. He found guidance and purpose through the California Cadet Corps at Tehipite Middle School. There, under the mentorship of Major Michael Davis and Valerie Davis—who would later become his God Parents—Pao discovered the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. He excelled in marksmanship and found confidence in structure, which helped him navigate the complexities of adolescence in a new country.
As a young immigrant, Pao faced the challenges of identity, language, and belonging. He found guidance and purpose through the California Cadet Corps at Tehipite Middle School. There, under the mentorship of Major Michael Davis and Valerie Davis—who would later become his God Parents—Pao discovered the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. He excelled in marksmanship and found confidence in structure, which helped him navigate the complexities of adolescence in a new country.
Life took a dramatic turn when Pao became a father at just 17. It was a moment that could have derailed his future—but instead, it became his motivation. Determined to provide for his family and break cycles of hardship, he worked multiple jobs while pursuing his education. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology at age 22 and later, a Master of Science in Business Administration.
Life took a dramatic turn when Pao became a father at just 17. It was a moment that could have derailed his future—but instead, it became his motivation. Determined to provide for his family and break cycles of hardship, he worked multiple jobs while pursuing his education. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology at age 22 and later, a Master of Science in Business Administration.
Life took a dramatic turn when Pao became a father at just 17. It was a moment that could have derailed his future—but instead, it became his motivation. Determined to provide for his family and break cycles of hardship, he worked multiple jobs while pursuing his education. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology at age 22 and later, a Master of Science in Business Administration.
Pao’s personal journey—marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and love—shaped his deep commitment to serving others. Today, he leads The Fresno Center, a nonprofit organization that has become a cornerstone of support for immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities across Fresno County. Under his leadership, the Center has expanded to over 120 staff members, operating 20 culturally responsive programs. The organization serves more than 5,000 clients a month, offering services in mental health, immigration, education, workforce development, and more.
Pao’s personal journey—marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and love—shaped his deep commitment to serving others. Today, he leads The Fresno Center, a nonprofit organization that has become a cornerstone of support for immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities across Fresno County. Under his leadership, the Center has expanded to over 120 staff members, operating 20 culturally responsive programs. The organization serves more than 5,000 clients a month, offering services in mental health, immigration, education, workforce development, and more.
Pao’s personal journey—marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and love—shaped his deep commitment to serving others. Today, he leads The Fresno Center, a nonprofit organization that has become a cornerstone of support for immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities across Fresno County. Under his leadership, the Center has expanded to over 120 staff members, operating 20 culturally responsive programs. The organization serves more than 5,000 clients a month, offering services in mental health, immigration, education, workforce development, and more.
But Pao’s impact goes far beyond numbers. He is a trusted voice in the community, known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication. He serves on numerous boards and committees, including the City of Fresno Immigrant Affairs Committee, the Foundation for Fresno Unified Students, and as a USCIS Ambassador. His leadership is grounded in lived experience—he knows what it means to struggle, to start over, and to rise.
But Pao’s impact goes far beyond numbers. He is a trusted voice in the community, known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication. He serves on numerous boards and committees, including the City of Fresno Immigrant Affairs Committee, the Foundation for Fresno Unified Students, and as a USCIS Ambassador. His leadership is grounded in lived experience—he knows what it means to struggle, to start over, and to rise.
At home, Pao is a devoted husband to Mao Lee, a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a proud father of five: Evan, a Doctor of Pharmacy; Nathan, a nursing student; Shaelynn, a college student; and two younger sons, Kingston and Lincoln. His family is his greatest joy and his constant reminder of why the work matters.
Pao Yang’s story is not just about overcoming adversity—it’s about turning pain into purpose and using every chapter of his life to uplift others. Through The Fresno Center and beyond, he continues to build bridges, open doors, and create a future where every person—regardless of where they come from—has the opportunity to thrive.
PROGRAM LEADERS
DAO LOR
Program Manager,
Better Career Access
Program
MAIYENG XIONG
CalAIM CS Supervisor
VERONICA THAO
CalAIM ECM Director
DR. GHIA XIONG
Director, Living Well Center & CRDP
CHRISTINA ALEJO
Holistic Wellness Program, CVRC and CBANS Director
PAMEE YANG
Program Manager,
Immigration Services
TENG VANG
Program Director,
Adult Day Healthcare Center
Pao Yang
President & CEO, The Fresno Center
Pao Yang’s life is a powerful reflection of resilience, family, and the enduring strength of community. Born in Laos during the height of the Secret War—a conflict that devastated his homeland and displaced thousands—Pao’s earliest years were marked by uncertainty. His family fled to a refugee camp in Thailand, where they waited for a chance at a new beginning. That opportunity came in 1979, when they resettled in the United States. Pao was just six years old.
His American journey began in Wichita, Kansas, where he learned English, adapted to a new culture, and watched his parents work tirelessly to build a life from scratch. In 1983, the family moved to Fresno, California, to reunite with extended relatives and find a stronger sense of community. Fresno would become the place where Pao’s roots would grow deep.
As a young immigrant, Pao faced the challenges of identity, language, and belonging. He found guidance and purpose through the California Cadet Corps at Tehipite Middle School. There, under the mentorship of Major Michael Davis and Valerie Davis—who would later become his God Parents—Pao discovered the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. He excelled in marksmanship and found confidence in structure, which helped him navigate the complexities of adolescence in a new country.
Life took a dramatic turn when Pao became a father at just 17. It was a moment that could have derailed his future—but instead, it became his motivation. Determined to provide for his family and break cycles of hardship, he worked multiple jobs while pursuing his education. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology at age 22 and later, a Master of Science in Business Administration.
Pao’s personal journey—marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and love—shaped his deep commitment to serving others. Today, he leads The Fresno Center, a nonprofit organization that has become a cornerstone of support for immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities across Fresno County. Under his leadership, the Center has expanded to over 120 staff members, operating 20 culturally responsive programs. The organization serves more than 5,000 clients a month, offering services in mental health, immigration, education, workforce development, and more.
But Pao’s impact goes far beyond numbers. He is a trusted voice in the community, known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication. He serves on numerous boards and committees, including the City of Fresno Immigrant Affairs Committee, the Foundation for Fresno Unified Students, and as a USCIS Ambassador. His leadership is grounded in lived experience—he knows what it means to struggle, to start over, and to rise.
At home, Pao is a devoted husband to Mao Lee, a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a proud father of five: Evan, a Doctor of Pharmacy; Nathan, a nursing student; Shaelynn, a college student; and two younger sons, Kingston and Lincoln. His family is his greatest joy and his constant reminder of why the work matters.
Pao Yang’s story is not just about overcoming adversity—it’s about turning pain into purpose and using every chapter of his life to uplift others. Through The Fresno Center and beyond, he continues to build bridges, open doors, and create a future where every person—regardless of where they come from—has the opportunity to thrive.
HOURS:
Monday-Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
Closed weekend
CLOSED HOLIDAYS
View closing dates >
HOURS:
Monday-Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
Closed weekend
CLOSED HOLIDAYS
View closing dates >
HOURS:
Monday-Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
Closed weekend
CLOSED HOLIDAYS
View closing dates >
HOURS:
Monday-Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
Closed weekend
CLOSED HOLIDAYS
View closing dates >
HOURS:
Monday-Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
Closed weekend
CLOSED HOLIDAYS
View closing dates >