(Gasp!) “Koj puas yog Ntsaislias?! Are you Jailia?!”
These were the first words I said to actress Ntxawm Hawj when she approached my booth. On the rainiest day in Fresno, meeting this incredible performer was the sunshine I needed. Ntxawm Hawj will forever be a star in my eyes.
Pagnia Xiong is an internationally recognized Hmong-American singer, actor, and creative producer. A self-taught artist, Pagnia has spent nearly two decades using her music to empower women, promote self-love, and inspire the pursuit of dreams. Her albums and performances have reached hundreds of thousands worldwide, and she's made history as the first Hmong-American female music artist to perform at a major U.S. league sporting event. Beyond music, Pagnia is an accomplished actor, making her main stage debut with Theater Mu to critical acclaim. She recently headlined her first solo concert at the Ordway and launched a Hmong Music Mentorship program in 2025.
