Mai Der Vang

Mai Der Vang is an acclaimed Hmong American poet and writer, celebrated for her evocative and powerful exploration of identity, culture, and history. Born and raised in California, she is the author of the award-winning poetry collection *Afterland*, which won the Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets. Her works frequently delve into the Hmong diaspora experience, weaving together themes of memory, displacement, and resilience. Vang's poignant and lyrical style has earned her a notable place in contemporary American poetry. In addition to writing, she is also an educator dedicated to fostering creative expression.