History of IMAA
Explore the history of IMAA-Seattle
The IMAA Community Center
Map to the IMAA Community Center
Our History
1980s: Mien people settled in the Seattle Area from Laos and Thailand.
1984: Yiu Mien Association founded
1998: 3925 S.Bozeman Single family home purchased by Weun Pao Saelee, Thawn Quang Saelee, and community members.
1998: Lao Highland Association formed (Director Chu Yang): After-school youth tutor program (Mien, Hmong, Khmu Students). Advocated for funding from City of Seattle/King County to build a cultural center for Mien, Hmong, Khmu on this property
1998-2001:
Meuy Poo Saelee and Weun Choun Yang took over for Lao Highland and helped to secure grants from both King County and City of Seattle to build the IMAA building.
Name of the organization changed to Iu-Mien American Association.
2001: 3925 S. Bozeman St.: Re-zoned from single family to multifamily property
2004: New Accessory Building built
2003- 2012: Meuy Poo becomes Director of Lao Highland After School Enrichment Program.
2009 IMAA 501c established by Vuen Phan.
2012: Weunpao/Thawn Quang transfers ownership to IMAA
2012-2014: Vuen Phan takes over as Director of After School Program but now under IMAA. Yao Fow/Saeng Luang started an Elder Care program.