KABAO XIONG

Kabao's professional experience spans nonprofit direct services in youth development to private institutional grantmaking across Minnesota. This gives Kabao a rich perspective on the intersection of systems and their nuanced impact on daily lives. Guided by Hmong principles rooted in generosity, Kabao aspires in her role as an AmplifyDMC project manager to build relationships with compassion and responsibility. 
 
Drawing on several years of experience as a program officer with the Otto Bremer Trust, Kabao brings a unique lens to our work with nonprofit clients. For one, she’s familiar with the work of organizations across the sector, making it easier to shift from one Amplify client to another, whether it’s a nonprofit focused on youth tennis or one helping people with mental illness find long-term employment.  
 
Further, having been on “the other side” of grantmaking, Kabao has keen insight on how nonprofits’ cases for support might land (or not) with funders. She’s also had the opportunity to support Amplify clients who are launching their own giving programs, bringing to these projects her expertise on equitable, outcomes-driven grantmaking.

Ask the Ampster: Can you share a memorable volunteering or fundraising experience you’ve had?

When I participated in the Headwaters Foundation for Justice Giving Project, I fundraised within my network. I felt entirely out of my comfort zone and found it challenging to ask my people to give to local grassroots BIPOC organizing nonprofits—organizations whose work inspires me. After making my donation asks, I was incredibly encouraged by the generosity of my family, friends, and colleagues. I felt more connected in my relationships knowing that my network wanted to support me and the causes that matter to me. Collectively, we fundraised $250,000 and selected 10 nonprofits to be grantees.