TRIO Talent Search Staff
Tony Au
TRIO Talent Search Director
Pronouns: he, him
Tony Au was born and raised in Seattle, WA. He graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Business Administration (Concentrations: Information Systems & Human Resources Management). He then obtained his Ed.M. in College Student Services Administration (Specialization: Leadership & Social Justice) from Oregon State University. Tony has nine years of professional higher education experience—four years with housing/residence life at Oregon State University and California State University, Sacramento; three years with TRIO Upward Bound at the University of Washington (the very program that helped him graduate from high school and get into college); and the past two years as Completion Coach & Retention Manager building the Highline College Achievement Program (better known as HCAP) to intentionally and holistically support stopped-out students with returning to Highline College. Tony is very familiar with and integrated into the TRIO community as a former student, student worker, scholarship committee member, conference presenter, and staff member. Tony also served as a Washington State TRIO Association Board Member for over two years as Treasurer.
Tony identifies as queer, first-generation, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews, swimming, traveling, exploring new bubble tea and banh mi spots, and going to concerts (has been to five Beyoncé concerts and four Mariah Carey concerts). He also enjoys marrying people (you read that right…he is an Ordained Minister and has officiated two weddings).
Contact Tony at:
Phone: 206-592-3158 / Email: tau@highline.edu
Mai Xee Vang (pronounced: Mine-See)
TRIO Talent Search Manager
Pronouns: she, her
Mai Xee grew up in the Twin Cities, MN and moved to the Greater-Seattle Area for graduate school at the University of Washington – Seattle. As a child of Hmong refugees and immigrants, she learned the values of community, culture, solidarity, and compassion, thus seeking tools to empower and highlight underrepresented voices. Being a TRIO student since middle school, Mai Xee is excited to now support the younger generations of leaders. In her downtime, Mai Xee immerses herself with family and friends, TV (reality, Asian dramas, crime), travel, social media, foodie adventures, and more!
Mai Xee’s weekly schedule:
- Monday-Tuesday: Foster High School
- Wednesday-Thursday: Why Not You Academy
- Friday: Showalter Middle School
Contact Mai Xee at:
Phone: 206-592-4047 / Email: mvang@highline.edu / Schedule a meeting w/ Mai Xee
Staff & Contact Information
Talent Search Director
Tony Au
Phone: 206-592-3158 / Email: tau@highline.edu
Office location: Highline College Building 6, Office 236
Talent Search Manager
Mai Xee Vang
Advises students at Foster High School, Showalter Middle School, and Why Not You Academy
Phone: 206-592-4047 / Email: mvang@highline.edu
Schedule a meeting with Mai Xee
Foster High School workspace location: College & Career Center
Showalter Middle School workspace location: A228
Why Not You Academy workspace location: Ms. Gonzalez’s room