Pa nyia Vang

photographer / writer

BIOGRAPHY

Pa Nyia Vang is a multifaceted creative and dedicated community advocate based in Minnesota. A mother of six, three of whom have special healthcare needs and complex chronic medical conditions, she brings a deep well of compassion, resilience, and perspective to both her personal and professional life.

Pa Nyia is actively involved in community philanthropy and works independently as a freelance contractor, helping to develop platforms and content that amplify underrepresented voices. She expresses herself through multidisciplinary art forms—including abstract visual art, photography, and film—and is driven by a passion to tell stories from her lived experiences. Her creative lens is deeply influenced by her role as a caregiver, her cultural identity, and her desire to create meaningful, healing, and impactful work.

She became connected to In Progress through her longtime friends Sai Thao and Jim Vue, and is committed to deepening her artistic practice in a supportive, intergenerational environment. Pa Nyia’s goal is to use her time at In Progress to refine her storytelling techniques, gain technical skills, and contribute to a creative community that nurtures both personal and collective transformation.

Qualifications

Pa Nyia Vang has experience in creating original abstract art and photography that reflect her personal journey and cultural insights. She has foundational skills in both video and photo production and editing. She designs graphics, particularly for flyers and social media, and has developed basic websites to support storytelling and community engagement efforts. Pa Nyia has also been involved in community organizing and project management, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. In addition, she enjoys crafting, particularly upcycling everyday items into artistic creations, and she frequently writes reflections, short pieces, and content for various platforms.

Skills

  • abstract art

  • basic videography and photography

  • graphic design 

  • website development 

  • community organizing 

  • writing

  • project management 

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