There she became a bilingual mediator for the emerging Hmong community, specializing in health issues. The community outreach efforts of Houa and Yong Kay were recognized in 1990 by the first President Bush with a Thousand Points of Light Award.
In that role, she served as a bilingual interpreter for the expanding Hmong populace, concentrating on healthcare issues. The community engagement efforts of Houa and Yong Kay received recognition from President Bush in 1990 through a Thousand Points of Light Award.