About
André Zhang Sonera is a public servant and emerging photographer. His work navigates the intersections of identity and place, reframing the unnoticed with a fresh perspective. As a Puerto Rican-Chinese creative, his artistic process is deeply rooted in the duality of his heritage — balancing past and present, personal narratives and collective histories, and the environments that shape them.
Originally from San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, André holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Indianapolis. His experience spans federal, state, and local government, where he has championed initiatives that integrate arts and culture into community development.
As a National Leaders of Color Fellow, André represented Indiana and Arts Midwest in the inaugural national cohort. He has also served as a reviewer for local, regional, and national arts grants and leadership programs, leveraging his expertise to advance cultural and professional development opportunities across the country.
“I’m excited to join the NLI to grow and learn alongside other professionals who are leveraging the arts as a catalyst for positive change. As a public servant, I’m committed to ensuring that arts and creativity are integral to the policies that promote the well-being of our communities and their neighborhoods.”