Lia Chien - Editorial

Vermont Legislature extends emergency housing, overrides state budget veto

Montpelier, VT, 2023

Vermont lawmakers met in June of 2023 to decide the fate of dozens of bills vetoed by the Vermont governor. Importantly, the Democratic-controlled House overturned the governor's budget veto. Photos for Vermont Public.

Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinski holds the gavel during a veto session of the House of Representatives on June 20, 2023 (Lia Chien/Vermont Public)

Lawmakers participate in the veto session on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 (Lia Chien/Vermont Public)

Waterbury Rep. Theresa Wood, a Democrat, speaks during debate in the House of Representatives on June 20, 2023 (Lia Chien/Vermont Public)

Peter Welch to face Gerald Malloy in Vermont's US Senate race

Burlington, VT, 2022

Vermont held its primary elections for the 2022 midterms on August 9 and I photographed both the Democratic and Republican watch parties for U.S. Senate. Rep. Peter Welch won the Democratic nomination while Christina Nolan lost to Gerald Malloy in the Republican race. Photos for VTDigger.

Christina Nolan after losing to Gerald Malloy for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Rep. Peter Welch speaks after his primary victory on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022 in Burlington, Vt. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Rep. Peter Welch addresses a crowd of supporters at his victory rally in the Democratic primary for US Senate on August 9, 2022 in Burlington, Vt. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Sianay Chase Clifford drops out of US House race

VT, 2022

In a historic open primary for Vermont's sole U.S. House seat, VTDigger broke the news that Democratic candidate Sianay Chase Clifford was dropping out of the race. I photographed portraits and campaign candids of Chase Clifford during her time as a candidate for a profile piece that was never published. I later secured the exclusive rights to the announcement and wrote the copy to be published. Photos and story for VTDigger.

A portrait photo of Sianay Chase Clifford for a profile piece in Williston, Vt. on June 28, 2022 . (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Sianay Chase Clifford addresses a crowd of participants at a community conversation at Jenna's Promise, a recovery community in Johnson on Friday, July 1, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Sianay Chase Clifford addresses a crowd of participants at a community conversation at Jenna's Promise, a recovery community in Johnson on Friday, July 1, 2022. Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Spongy moth outbreak remains uncertain in the coming years ahead

VT, 2022

The summer of 2022 was the second year of a spongy moth, a type of invasive caterpillar, outbreak in Vermont, which devasted large areas of forest and trees. I spoke with experts around the state on where the outbreak stood and how residents could protect their trees in the future. Photos and story for VTDigger.

A mass of pupal cases and egg masses with a newly formed female moth on the left on a tree at Airport Park in Colchester. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

The caterpillar form of the spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, strips away huge swaths of leaves — known as defoliation — from several species of trees at Airport Park in Colchester. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Women of color running for office push for inclusion and advocacy for marginalized groups

Montpelier, VT, 2022

With over a third of seats for public office in Vermont open in the 2022 midterm elections, a historic number of women of color were running for various seats ahead of the August primaries. I covered their press conference at the Vermont capitol building as they called for action for those often discounted in Vermont politics. Story and photos for VTDigger.

State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale speaks at the press conference on July 13, 2022 in Montpelier, Vt. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale speaks on July 13, 2022 in Montpelier, Vt. underneath a portrait of Alexander Twilight, the first person of color to serve in the Vermont State Legislature and to have their portrait in the Statehouse. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Lauren Dees-Erickson, a candidate to represent Franklin County in the House, speaks at the press conference on July 13, 2022 in Montpelier, Vt. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

A sign in support of diverse candidates stands underneath the podium at the press conference on July 13, 2022 in Montpelier, Vt. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Saudia LaMont, a House candidate for the Lamoille-Washington county district, speaks at the press conference on July 13, 2022 in Montpelier, Vt. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

The seven candidates gather outside the Statehouse after the press conference on July 13, 2022 in Montpelier, Vt. From left to right, Rey Garofano, Lauren Dees-Erickson, Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Jessie Nakuma Palcsewski, Leonora Dodge, Saudia LaMont, and Sianay Chase Clifford. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Vermonters rally across the state as Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

Montpelier, VT, 2022

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade case, and Vermonters hit the streets in protest following the national event. I worked to cover the breaking news in the state capitol, Montpelier, for VTDigger. I contributed both reporting and photos for the collaborative piece.

Diane Kaganova, 76, of Barre, Vt. speaks at the Montpelier protests on June 24, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

A woman holds the microphone and shares her story at the Montpelier Roe v. Wade protest on June 24, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

A protester holds his skateboard in the air to protest the overturning of Roe v. Wade in Montpelier, Vt. on June 24, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

A protestor holds a sign high above the crowd in Montpelier, Vt. on June 24, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Sade Bolger, a central Vermont organizer with Planned Parenthood, speaks to a crowd of more than 100 protesters outside the courthouse in Montpelier on June 24, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

David van Deusen speaks at a rally in Montpelier, Vt. on June 24, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

First responders say education could prevent tragedy at Vermont swimming holes

Bolton & Huntington, VT, 2022

Many deaths and accidents occur at Vermont swimming holes every year, and first responders say there are many ways to avoid these tragic events. Photos and article for VTDigger.

A sign stands at the Huntington Gorge in memory of the many people that have died at the popular Vermont swimming hole in Huntington, Vt. on June 10, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

The first of multiple waterfalls at the Huntington Gorge pose dangerous threats to swimmers and recreators in Huntington, Vt. on June 10, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Signs warning swimmers of dangerous conditions stand at the entrance to the popular Bolton Potholes in Bolton, Vt. on June 13, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger speaks on public safety concerns

Burlington, VT, June 2022

Weinberger was joined by acting Police Chief Jon Murad and Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George to address gun safety in Vermont's largest city as the number of incidents increases. Photos for VTDigger.

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and Chittenden County States Attorney Sarah George address media at a press release in Burlington on June 9, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Acting Police Chief Jon Murad addresses the crowd in a Burlington, Vt. press release on June 9, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger discusses recent gun violence incidents in Burlington, Vt. on June 9, 2022. (Lia Chien/VTDigger)

Supreme Court Roe v. Wade Protest

Washington, DC, 2022

People across the District came to the U.S. Supreme Court on May 3, the day after Politico published leaked documents indicating the historic decision may be overturned.

A sign is held above the crowd at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A statue of a justice overlooks protesters from the Supreme Court steps in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A sign with the popular slogan "My Body, My Choice" is held over protesters in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) addresses protesters following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A sign in support of codifying Roe v. Wade is held in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

Protesters gather along First Street in Washington D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A protester holds a sign saying "Bans Off Our Bodies" at a protest in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022.

A sign is held in front of the columns of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

Protesters hold signs above their heads at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A protester holds a hanger over their head in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A protester holds a sign in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

The U.S. Capitol building stands above protesters in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

Protesters hold signs from Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A women passionately speaks at the Supreme Court protests in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

Women hold signs in the crowd of protesters in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A middle finger is held under a sign in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

A protester takes a photo on their phone at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2022. (Lia Chien)

Rally for Ukraine Protest

Washington, DC, 2022

AU students gathered to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to show support for the Ukrainian people and students. The rally encouraged students to volunteer to help Ukrainians in DC and around the world. Photos were taken for The Eagle.

Students make opening remarks to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine at an event at American University in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Students sign the petition in support of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A crowd of students gathered on American University's quad on March 2, 2022 to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A woman sings the Ukrainian national anthem in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student organizer speaks to crowds in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Crowds gathered in front of the student center in support of Ukraine at American University in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A professor addresses students in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

The AU student body President stands in support of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student organizer speaks passionately in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A professor signs the petition in support of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student holds her hand over her heart during remarks made during a candlelight vigil for Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student holds a candle at a candlelight vigil in support of Ukraine in Washington D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A candle flickers in the dark at a candlelight vigil for Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

The Ukrainian flag hangs in oppositin of Russia's invasion in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Students sign the petition at a protest in support of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student stands amid the candlelight in support of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student holds a candle in support of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A woman gazes at her candle at a vigil in support of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2022. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Adequate Pay for Adjunct Professors

Washington, DC, 2021

Adjunct professors and graduate students called for the American University administration to raise pay alongside rising inflation rates. Students joined the on-campus protest in support of their professors and educators. Photos were taken for The Eagle.

Students gather on the quad in support of increased pay for adjunct professors at American University in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A woman holds a sign above her head at the protests for adjunct professors in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student holds a sign in support of unions in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Students exclaim with emotion at a protest for better pay for adjunct professors in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A graduate student speaks at the protest in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A student stands in support of her professors in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Crowds cheer in support of adjunct professors in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A professor speaks at the protest in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A crowd of students gathered in support of fair wages for adjunct professors in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Crowds held signs to support living wages in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

Students hold signs in support of their professors in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

A woman holds a sign to support living wages in Washington, D.C. on November 11, 2021. (Lia Chien/The Eagle)

The Young Writers Project

Vermont, 2017-2019

The Young Writers Project is a Vermont-based non-profit that works to inspire youth creativity and self-expression through prose, poems, and visual works. I worked with this organization to photograph many events, such as book launches, writers' workshops, and poetry slams. Check out my entire blog on the Young Writers Project site here.

A girl takes part in a writing exercise at a YWP writing conference on March 11, 2017 in Montpelier, Vt. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A student reads his work aloud at a writing conference in Montpelier, Vt. on November 11, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A girl practices reading her work aloud at a poetry slam in Burlington, Vt. on May 5, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A girl reads her work aloud with fierce passion at a poetry slam in Burlington, Vt. on May 11, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A girl reads her work aloud in Burlington, Vt. on May 11, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A boy reads his work to the crowd in Burlington, Vt. on May 11, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

Two writing conference participants engage in an activity in Montpelier, Vt. on November 11, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A girl reads her work off her phone at a writers conference in Montpelier, Vt. on November 11, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A girl engages in a writing exercise in Montpelier, Vt. on November 11, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

Students work together at a writers conference in Montpelier, Vt. on November 11, 2018. (Lia Chien/YWP)

The founder of YWP, Geoffrey Gevalt, makes the opening remarks at a book launch in Burlington, Vt. on October 14, 2018. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A girl speaks with enthusiasm at a book lunch in Burlington, Vt. on October 6, 2019. (Lia Chien/YWP)

Crowds listen to speakers at the YWP book launch in Burlington, Vt. on October 6, 2019. (Lia Chien/YWP)

A participant reads her work aloud at a poetry slam in Burlington, Vt. on May 5, 2017. (Lia Chien/YWP)

Three participants have a conversation at the YWP book launch on October 6, 2019 in Burlington, Vt. (Lia Chien/YWP)

March for Our Lives Protest

Montpelier, Vermont, 2018

Protests took place all across the United States to call for stricter gun regulations in late March of 2018. I documented and photographed the protests at the Vermont State capital.

Signs with the popular slogan "#NeverAgain" are held at the March For Our Lives Protest in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A sign is held in front of the Vermont State Capitol Building on March 24, 2018 in Montpelier, Vt. (Lia Chien)

A protest sign is held above the crowd in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A woman holds a sign at her side at the March For Our Lives Protest in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Protesters hold signs towards the crowd in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A sign is held by the golden dome of the Vermont State Capitol in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Two women hold their signs up and smile in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Protesters hold signs in support of gun reform in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A sign disavowing the NRA is held above protesters in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Two teenagers hold signs above their heads in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A sign with the popular slogan "Not One More" is held in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A protester holds a sign in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Protesters talk with each other in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Teenagers raise signs above their heads in front of the Vermont capitol building in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Protesters hold signs in front of the Vermont Capitol building in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Signs are held at the March For Our Lives protest in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A man raises a sign high above the crowd in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A student speaks at the March For Our Lives protest in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Crowds gathered in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018 for the national March For Our Lives protests. (Lia Chien)

A woman looks into the crowd and holds a sign in protest in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A man holds a sign amidst the crowd in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

A woman holds a sign in support of gun reform in Montpelier, Vt. on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Crowds gathered at the Vermont State Capitol building on a cold winter day in Montpelier, Vt. for the March For Our Lives protest on March 24, 2018. (Lia Chien)

Women's March

Montpelier, Vermont, 2017

Crowds gathered the day after former President Trump was inaugurated to protest many of Trump's proposed policies that would harm women's rights.