Karenni Vision Community Feature

Marthalenar R. Nya Mar – Bridging Culture, Health, and HopeFrom the refugee experience to academic excellence, Marthalenar R. Nya Mar has become one of the leading Karenni voices in global public health. Her journey reflects strength, compassion, and service — values deeply rooted in our Karenni heritage.

Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (Community Health Education) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Marthalenar focuses her research on trauma-related mental-health disparities among refugees and immigrants, developing culturally grounded ways to heal and empower communities

As a Graduate Research Assistant at University of North Carolina Greensboro, she contributes to major refugee-health projects, prepares academic papers, and helps shape inclusive research models.

She also serves on the Montagnard Association of North Carolina’s Mental Health Team, providing case management, wellness education, and health-access support.

In 2025, she completed a transformative internship in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, working with ethnic-minority families to study education and healthcare challenges

Marthalenar’s excellence has been recognized through multiple honors:

• Outstanding MPH Award (2025) – For leadership in public-health education

• Research Award in Social & Behavioral Sciences (2025) – for “Te Thet Nge Eh Htya”

• Henry Luce Foundation Grant (2024) – for the “Va Meh Du” project

• Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Grant - mental-health programs for Karenni families

• Wells Fargo Arts-in-Education Award (2024) – preserving Karenni traditional dance

Beyond research, she serves faithfully as:

• Treasurer, Karenni Catholic Kristu Crusader

• Secretary II, Karenni-American Association Inc.

• Former State Youth Representative, Karenni American Youth Association

Community Liaison, Karenni Community of Winston-Salem

Her work unites youth, church, and community networks — turning knowledge into action.

Marthalenar has presented at major conferences, including the APHA 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington D.C., sharing “Kayah Li Lay Klo: A Culturally Tailored Mental Health Program for Karenni Refugees.”

Her voice continues to inspire new generations of Karenni youth and advocates

“Education, empathy, and culture must walk hand in hand.Healing begins when we listen to our own stories.”— Marthalenar R. Nya Mar

Karenni Vision | Community Feature

Today we celebrate Marthalenar R. Nya Mar, a Karenni scholar, researcher, and leader whose dedication to mental health and education continues to uplift our people worldwide.