Fox Cities Book Festival: Connecting writers and readers across our diverse communities.

Gaochi Faith Vang recently resides in her hometown of Kaukauna, WI. She received her Bachelor Degree in Psychology with a minor in Women/Gender Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Currently, she is working toward her Master of Science in Psychology, specialization in Social Psychology, holding a great interest in research. Additionally, Gaochi has a strong passion for mental health advocacy, particularly addressing its significance within the Hmong community, and believes that expression of one’s well being can occur in many artistic forms – through music, art, or pen. Specifically, writing has become her outlet bridging the gap between her experiences and her expression. As a Hmong American woman, her life and observation of life has been the foundation to the evolution of her identities. Thus, her book, Building Walls to Break Down , is composed of poems that embody topics surrounding mental health, identity collision, self-love, and self-acceptance. The importance of working together is also integrated within the pieces because she believes that human connection is far greater than any fear or insecurity that has grown and rooted itself within us. Simply, Building Walls to Break Down speaks to the narratives that have often been dismissed, compromised, or adjusted for the convenience of others. And, she plans to continue speaking this narrative.