MILWAUKEE — Sometimes the most influential people in our lives are the ones we don’t expect to meet. In Milwaukee, a simple social media post led to a story about mentorship, inclusion and the power of creating safe spaces in the arts community.

Watch: Milwaukee community hero recognized

From survivor advocacy to tattoo artistry: Community hero recognized in Milwaukee

A few months ago, TMJ4 reporter Meryl Hubbard posted a TikTok asking people to name their community hero. Miranda Davila commented:

“Mai Kue a tattoo artist and owner of Starseed Studio. She’s done a lot to uplift, specifically Hmong artists and voices, but also was extremely kind when I was initially asking for help with my portfolio, and was looking for an apprenticeship. She doesn’t gatekeep, and she wants more women, specifically women of color in the tattoo world.”

Davila, an artist herself, says Mai Kue Vang gave her genuine feedback on her work and helped her get started with finding apprenticeships and a studio.

“I had been looking for, like, literally anybody to look at my portfolio for tattooing. She was the main one who really kept up with me,” Davila said.

When Vang learned she had been nominated as someone’s community hero, her reaction was one of humble surprise.

“I’m like, what?! Somebody like somebody shared me, and I’m just like, what really? So I’m always like, humbled. I’m always surprised. My Achilles heel is like, I never give myself time to, like, give myself credit,” Vang said.

After a career committed to non-profit work of helping survivors of gender-based violence, Vang started Starseed Studio in 2018. She has been tattooing out of her current location since 2022.

Today, Vang is still helping survivors and inspires Hmong, queer and women of color communities to explore tattoo artistry. Her main drive is creating a safe space and motivating others to pursue their dreams.

“I always encourage people of like, if you don’t see a space for you, like, create it,” Vang said.

For Davila, Vang’s intentional approach to art makes all the difference.

“She’s so intentional with the way that she creates art, and I think that’s so special, especially when it’s something you’re going to be putting on someone forever. It’s just an amazing feeling to have someone in the community here who, like truly cares about their artwork and how they give it to other people,” Davila said.

Vang was one of the only people who took time to help Davila with her artistic aspirations, something that meant everything to an artist trying to find her place in the community.

“There’s so many artists and you don’t feel like you’re necessarily part of the community sometimes. I felt, yeah, very seen by her. I felt a connection there,” Davila said.

The feeling of being seen goes both ways.

“I’m just like, Oh, my God, I’m a hero? Like, okay, like, Thank you. You know. I’m in gratitude that someone sees me as their hero,” Vang said.

If you have a community hero you’d like to share, you can email meryl.hubbard@tmj4.com.

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A Milwaukee teenager convicted of killing two St. Anthony High School students will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Circuit Judge Laura Crivello handed down the life sentence for Moses Martinez on Nov. 14. Martinez filed papers that same day signaling his intent to appeal the conviction, online court records show.

Martinez was 17 when prosecutors say he fatally shot Diego Herrera-Mejia, 16, and Isaac Rodriguez, 15, on the 800 block of West Manitoba Street on June 15, 2024.

In August, a jury found Martinez, now 18, guilty of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless injury and fleeing police.

The state dismissed charges of driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent and misdemeanor possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor.

More: Three charged in the death of 18-year-old Milwaukee man that involved a ploy to steal his gun

Here’s what prosecutors say happened to Diego Herrera-Mejia and Isaac Rodriguez

by Chesnie Wardell, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
November 16, 2025

It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works is hosting a public meeting for the Hopkins Street Protected Bike Lane and Street Improvement Project from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Moody Park Pavillion, 2201 W. Auer Ave. You will learn about the project and give feedback. More information here.

Residents have the chance to explore hands-on training, academic support and housing opportunities with the Milwaukee Job Corps from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6055 N. 91st St. You will meet representatives and learn how to start career paths with manufacturing, technology, welding and other occupations. Bring a résumé and dress professionally. More information here.

SPARK! is a program that offers nature-based activities and experiences to adults with memory challenges and their caregivers. The next free session is from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. Registration is required. More information here.

In honor of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 732 S. 21st St. Attendees will tour the youth shelter space, meet staff and learn more about the services provided. More information here.

Join the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center for an open dialogue and reflection about the history of Thanksgiving and the traditions of gratitude. The culture night is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 930 W. Historic Mitchell St. A traditional meal will be served. More information here.

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