When I’m not researching or teaching, I’m writing, making, laughing, living, working, and walking among the varied communities I belong to. I’m honored and grateful for these opportunities, spaces, and places … here are a few.

 
 

All of the Above Hip Hop Academy

I am honored to serve as the Vice President of the Board for All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, a non-profit organization made up of artists, educators, and advocates that mentor youth, support artistic expression and serve communities as a Hip Hop cultural resource for the purpose of youth development.

“Our organization provides a variety of classes, workshops, and performance-oriented experiences that support local artistry and provide opportunities for artistic development. Our students learn directly from hip-hop practitioners who are highly respected in their craft.”

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IWP Women’s Creative Mentorship Project

In March, 2019, I was honored to participate in the inaugural Women's Creative Mentorship Project, a collaboration between the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

“[The project] began with a 4-day in-person conference at the 2019 Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference (AWP) in Portland, Oregon, bringing together writers from Mauritius, Colombia, Somalia, Botswana, Italy, Kenya, South Africa, Argentina & Mexico.” 

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Writing Walking Women Newfoundland Hike, 2015

Hiking Newfoundland, Canada’s East Coast Trail with a group of women writers in 2015 was a life-changing experience (I know many who hike say that, but it really was! Y’all should try it). My dear friend Carolyn McCarthy wrote a great piece about it for the Boston Globe. I’m the person who cut their toe!

“In our group were 11 women from the US, Canada, South Africa, and Somalia, ranging in age from our thirties to our fifties. Two were poets, the rest were writers with specialties as diverse as science fiction and travel. About a third of us were experienced hikers and backpackers. Most had been training for the adventure.”