Mai Dia Vang: Creating Her Own Path, Honoring Her Roots
Meet 2026 Voices and Dreams Academy participant Mai Dia Vang
Of all the photographs Mai Dia Vang has taken and paintings she has created, one photograph holds a special place in her heart.
It shows a happy woman beneath a beautiful sunset. For Dia, the image holds the memory of a time when she began to discover more about herself.
As Dia spent more time outdoors, she began painting landscapes, taking photographs, and discovering new places. She felt a sense of warmth and freedom as she made room for her own interests and began to see more possibilities for her life.
That photograph captures a small but meaningful moment in the journey toward the future she is building today.
"No matter how busy life gets, arts and crafts have always been something I find myself returning to."
Dia is an early childhood educator, caregiver, and Art Education student, bringing her creativity and Hmong heritage together as she develops her own business.
Returning to what she loves
Art has been part of Dia’s life since childhood. Painting, photography, and making things by hand have remained interests she returns to, even when other responsibilities fill her days.
As she began exploring new places and experiences, she came to understand how much creativity meant to her. Nature offered landscapes to paint and moments to capture. Making art gives her a chance to focus on her interests and imagine her future.
Her direction developed gradually, through work, education, and the willingness to try something new.
“My journey hasn’t always been about knowing exactly where I’m going,” Dia explains, “but rather learning through different experiences and taking small steps toward my goals.”
Helping children discover their own creativity
Dia brings that appreciation for exploration into her work with young children.
Her experience includes serving as a lead teacher at Little Blessings Preschool in Madison and, more recently, as a teacher at The Village Early Childhood Center in Waunakee. Her responsibilities have included planning activities, supporting children’s social and emotional development, maintaining safe classrooms, and communicating with families.
She also works as a caregiver through iLIFE, supporting daily routines, independence, and emotional well-being.
These roles require patience, observation, and attention to others' needs. Her teaching experience has also helped her clarify what she wants to pursue next.
Now working toward a bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Dia hopes to create spaces where children can express themselves freely, explore their creativity, and feel comfortable being who they are.
She knows how meaningful that freedom has been in her own life.
Preparing to build something of her own
Dia’s interest in entrepreneurship is already grounded in education.
In December 2023, she earned a technical diploma in Small Business Entrepreneurship from Madison College. Today, she is drawing on that preparation as she develops her small creative business.
Her vision includes Hmong-inspired clothing and designs, alongside handmade items such as stickers, candles, earrings, and bracelets.
Dia wants her creations to bring together her cultural heritage, personal interests, and love of art. Building a business gives her an opportunity to develop those ideas while learning how her creative work can become a sustainable part of her future.
Choosing her direction while staying connected
Growing up in a traditional Hmong family, Dia has understood culture and family expectations as important influences in her life.
As she has gotten older, she has also begun deciding which expectations fit the future she wants to build. That process includes making room for her individuality while celebrating the parts of her heritage that remain meaningful to her.
“Following my own path doesn’t mean leaving my roots behind,” she says.
Her plans for Hmong-inspired designs reflect that understanding.
Creativity gives her a way to celebrate her culture through the choices she makes for herself.
Each class, photograph, painting, and business idea is another step toward a future that reflects both her roots and her aspirations.
Hmong roots in Wisconsin
Hmong families began resettling in Wisconsin in the 1970s after fleeing war and persecution in Laos, many spending time in refugee camps in Thailand before arriving in the United States. According to UW–Madison’s Applied Population Laboratory and UW Extension, the 2020 Census counted 62,331 Wisconsin residents who identified as Hmong alone or in combination with another race. Within this broader community history, Dia is shaping her own relationship with heritage through education, art, and plans for a creative business.
Making room for the next chapter
Through Voices and Dreams Academy, Dia puts her experiences into words and shares the possibilities she sees for herself.
She hopes her journey encourages others to embrace their individuality, pursue their interests, and believe their dreams are worth exploring.
The sunset photograph reminds Dia of the warmth and freedom she felt as she began embracing her creativity. Today, she is taking steps toward a future in art, education, and entrepreneurship—and hopes to help others experience that same freedom to express themselves and pursue what they love.
Hear Dia’
s story
Discover more of Dia’s journey on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Goodman Community Center in Madison, during Voices & Dreams Live | Voces y Sueños en Vivo.
The Community Altar begins at 3:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the live storytelling program at 5:00 p.m.
Come celebrate women sharing stories of culture, creativity, leadership, and the futures they are working to build.
About Mai Dia Vang
Mai Dia Vang is an early childhood educator, caregiver, and aspiring creative entrepreneur based in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She earned a technical diploma in Small Business Entrepreneurship from Madison College in 2023 and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. Her interests include painting, photography, nature, and exploring new places. Dia is developing a business that combines Hmong-inspired clothing and designs with handmade items. She participates in the 2026 Voices and Dreams Academy.
Comments