Meet a VC Intern: Valerie Naing

Learn about one of VC’s 2025 Summer Interns, Valerie Naing, our Artistic Programs Intern!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an outgoing UCLA student in the Fall majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Asian-American Studies! I’m 2nd generation Burmese-American, born and raised in Southern California. I have experience in student organizing, diaspora work, and running local music shows.

How did you hear about Visual Communications and what drew you to apply?

I heard about Visual Communications through UCLA’s EthnoCommunications classes and was drawn to VC’s legacy and ongoing commitment to platform emerging creatives from marginalized communities. Coming from an underrepresented community in media myself, I was eager to apply in hopes of honing my skills in multicultural and ethnic organizing through the arts. As a creative myself, I understand the inherent political motivation that cultivates artistic expression. I was excited to apply to an organization that continues to uplift the work of the AAPI community in documenting and creating stories of resistance and healing.

What do you hope to learn from this internship?

I want to learn from the other interns as well as the other folks in other learning community programs, such as Armed With a Camera and Digital Histories. I also want to be able to see how VC’s community partners work together and how relationships are sustained through collaboration. Overall, I’m eager to learn more about all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating community-driven media.

MBTI: ENFP 

Artist on Repeat: Currently… Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Super Unison, L Khun Yee, & the new Turnstile album

3 Favorite Films: Insiang, Desert Hearts, and Arrival!

Favorite Place in the World: Yangon, Myanmar

What do you like to do in your free time? Playing the drums, cooking with my mom, taking naps with my dog, going to karaoke nights, live music, going to local emo and hardcore shows in the Inland Empire with my friends, collecting records, making playlists, and going to new bars.

Hidden Talent: Tetris 🤓

Hot Take: Blind boxes are straight up gambling!

Restaurant Recommendation: Jasmine Restaurant & Market in Culver City 

Asian-American Studies Graduation

my mom with my dog, lennox

Watching one of my favorite hardcore bands, Soul Glo