Joua Lee Grande (she/they) is a filmmaker and community connector who tells compelling stories that highlight underheard perspectives and experiences. Her work has been seen on WORLD Channel and PBS. Her short film On All Fronts received an Honorable Mention for the Loni Ding Award for Social Justice Documentary and was the opening episode of a series nominated for a Daytime Emmy. Her previous fellowships include PBS Accelerator for Diverse Voices, True/False Confluence, Jerome, Kartemquin Diverse Voices and MediaJustice. She has previously worked as a Producer-Editor at Twin Cities PBS and an Editor at WCCO TV 4 News (CBS).
Joua has spent over a decade as a community worker and educator supporting youth, families and storytellers from historically marginalized communities. She has led and developed media education programs in the Twin Cities at institutions such as SPNN, the Walker Arts Center and Minneapolis Institute of Arts. She serves in various community groups including local grassroots initiatives and the Waterers. Joua’s work reflects her passion for storytelling and a strong commitment to social justice. Her experiences as a neurodivergent, queer Hmong American woman and rising cultural healer guide her work both in community and storytelling.
