EDUCATION
MFA in Creative Writing Poetry, 2024
The University of Kentucky
BS in Communication, 2017
Major: Journalism & Electronic Media
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
HONORS & FELLOWSHIPS
Juniper Summer Writing Institute 2023
Graduate Winner of University of Kentucky KLP Broadside Contest 2023
Nikky Finney Fellowship at The University of Kentucky 2022-23 & 2023-24
The 5th Woman Fellowship, Poetry Fellow 2020-21
PUBLICATIONS & PERFORMANCES
Poetry
“Instructions for Preventing Transgressions on Your Body,” “Stockholm Syndrome” Cacti Fur, Winter 2023
“Coping Mechanisms,” “Ghazal for Black Beauty,” “Why I Haven’t Spoken,” The Monarch Review, Issue No. 1: Cornerstones, Summer 2022
“Roots of Revolution,” Pigeon Parade Quarterly, Issue No. 1, Autumn 2020
“The Show Disney Desperately Wants Me To Forget” Ghost City Review, April 2024
EMPLOYMENT
Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts, Lexington, KY
Creative Writing Faculty June 2024
Created and facilitated daily lesson plans in Advanced Creative Non-Fiction and Journalism for twenty-nine high school-aged students with an emphasis on craft and generative prompts.
Guided the students through the creation and presentation of a chapbook that was showcased on the penultimate day of the program.
The University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Primary Instructor Aug. 2023 - May 2024
Create and maintain daily lesson plans for four sections of Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies (WRD 110 & 111) that enable students to actively practice public speaking, multimedia communication, and academic professionalism inside and outside the classroom.
Develop lectures that expose students to diverse perspectives, expanding their cultural contexts and reinforcing the material.
Guide students, individually and in groups, through the conception, research, and execution of their final project, a podcast episode that employs the rhetorical communication techniques they have learned throughout the semester.
Utilize Canvas to create a user-friendly classroom resource that increases student engagement and retention of information.
Graduate Coordinator for Visiting Writers Series Jan. 2023- Dec. 2023
Sourced and booked four authors over two semesters for the Visiting Writers Series
Created and distributed promotional materials for all VWS Events.
MC’d events, including introducing the writers and facilitating the Q&A.
Collaborated with other departments within the university to increase funding for the program.
Acted as on-campus liaison for all writers once they arrived on campus.
Increased community engagement with the larger Lexington area by partnering with other organizations throughout the city to improve event attendance.
Teaching Assistant August 2022 - May 2023
Managed Friday discussion groups consisting of at least 40 students, with 90% passing the class with a B or higher.
Conducted an undergraduate lecture on the difference between storytelling in film and literature.
Provided support and supervision in the lecture alongside the primary teacher to help maintain all students' safety and learning quality.
The Bottom (Non-Profit), Knoxville, TN
Bookshop Director July 2021 - June 2022
Developed and orchestrated the itinerary for the Grand Opening of the Magnolia Ave location.
Planned and facilitated programming opportunities such as the Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson Author Talk, and the Local Author Book Fair.
Managed the book-it subscription program selecting monthly titles for five reading categories from babies to adult novels
Developed a book program that provides up to 80 underprivileged Youth (and adults) with monthly free books.
Maintained the bookstore inventory (inventory management, recording, recommendations to customers, special orders, etc.)
Created systems of operation for bookstore ordering, inventory management, and general bookstore functions.
Planned and facilitated literacy events for children, such as “storytime.”
Wrote and acquired several grants that led to new programs and additional funding that kept The Bottom open to the public.
Created Press Release Materials for all The Bottom events and offerings.
RIVR Media, LLC, Knoxville, TN
Production Assistant Aug. 2016 - April 2018
Researched, developed, and booked 110 engaging and educational segments that aired on 22 episodes of the network show State Plate within tight deadlines.
Successfully pitched multiple projects, two of which resulted in the network renewal of State Plate.
Managed at least three projects in various stages of production at the same time
Arranged all travel, food, and other accommodations for cast, crew, talent, and other special guests, including hotel and per diem.
Community Outreach
Kentucky Book Festival Lexington, KY
MC for the Main Stage. Oct. 2022 & 2023
The Bottom (Non-Profit), Knoxville, TN
Community Workshop Facilitator Feb 2021- April 2023
Developed a writing workshop to teach middle schoolers confident writing techniques through creative nonfiction.
Taught participants a variety of brainstorming and story-building methods, such as utilizing cliches to create original works.
Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
ESL Teacher Aug. 2021 - Aug. 2022
Prepared course materials for weekly 2-hour classes
Lead bilingual English classes for beginners with up to 8 students.
Created an encouraging and constructive environment for English language development for Spanish speakers
Service Industry Coalition of Knoxville (SICK), Knoxville, TN
Volunteer/Activist Sept. 2020 - May 2022
Raised awareness on the working conditions of service industry workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Developed and distributed info-graphics regarding the health and safety of restaurant workers.
Facilitated discussions with the Downtown Knoxville Association to improve service industry working conditions and wage standards.
Served as a panelist representing SICK for the Highlander Research and Education Center’s Homecoming Celebrations.