DAYTON, OH—(Feb. 7, 2025)—Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims announced poet and educator Sierra Leone as the City of Dayton’s first Poet Laureate this morning at the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Visitor Center. Sierra Leone will serve one two-year term as Dayton’s Poet Laureate, with the goal of representing Dayton and promoting the importance of literacy and the arts in the region.

“Today, we make history in Dayton as we proudly announce our city’s first-ever Poet Laureate,” says Mayor Mims. “This moment is a testament to the power of words, storytelling, and the vibrant artistic spirit that runs through our community. Poetry has the unique ability to connect us, inspire us, and reflect the heart of our city. We look forward to the ways our Poet Laureate will amplify Dayton’s voices and celebrate our shared stories. Congratulations to Sierra Leone, and may your words continue to uplift and unite us all.”

Mayor Mims and Dayton City Commissioners passed a resolution to create the Poet Laureate position in June 2024. Applicants were required to live or work in the city and be committed to continuing their residency or employment throughout the two-year appointment term. Candidates submitted three original poems, a publication history, a proven track record of recognition in the field, demonstrate literary excellence, and a strong commitment to promoting awareness of poetry. Six poets applied for the appointment.

The Poet Laureate Selection Committee consisted of Debi Chess, Director of External Relations and Development, Dayton Metro Library; Lisa Hanson, President and CEO, Culture Works; Furaha Henry-Jones, professor of English and African American Literature, Sinclair College; Mayor Jeffrey Mims; and, Nick Raines, Executive Director, Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation. Diane Schoeffler-Warren of Culture Works coordinated the development and implementation of the City of Dayton’s Poet Laureate application process with the help of Darius Beckham, Senior Policy Aide, for the Office of the Mayor. Culture Works will act as the administrative and fiscal agent for the City of Dayton.

“Culture Works is honored to have played a role in guiding the selection process for Dayton’s first Poet Laureate,” says Lisa Hanson, President and CEO of Culture Works. “We sincerely thank the esteemed panelists for their invaluable time, expertise, and dedication. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping this important initiative. We are proud to be part of a community that champions the arts as a vital force in enriching lives, inspiring creativity, and fostering cultural vibrancy.”

Leone’s first official engagement as Dayton’s Poet Laureate is at Mayor Mims’ State of the City address on Feb. 12. She will be available for speaking engagements, workshops, and other opportunities as her schedule allows. To inquire about engaging Sierra Leone, email poetlaureatedayton@cultureworks.org.

About Sierra Leone, City of Dayton Poet Laureate

As a writer and leader of an urban poetry movement in Dayton, Ohio, Governor’s Award winner, poet, and writer Sierra Leone, a 2020 Kennedy Center Artist Fellowship Finalist Nominee, has written and performed commissioned work for many local and national organizations. Highlights of her public and commissioned poems include: “Spirit of a Flyer” for the restored Dayton Arcade and the creation of The Hub for Community, Artists, Creatives, & Entrepreneurs; “Vision Perfected” for the Dayton Philharmonic that was performed live on stage at the Wyclef Jean Symphonic Concert; “Gathering Space” and “Music Heals on Fifth and Main” public work on permanent display at the Downtown Dayton Metro Library and Levitt Pavilion Dayton. Her fictional, poetic monologue entitled “Katrina 2031 was featured at TEDx Dayton 2014. Because of her powerful and moving presentation, she now serves as a TEDX Dayton speaker’s coach and co-chair. In December 2018, she became a playwright, co-writing Eunice: Starshine and Clay with her partner Nate Leone. The show was named one of Dayton, Ohio’s 2018 top ten Theatre Shows.
A highly recognized community organizer and educator, Sierra has worked with youth arts organizations, schools, and neighborhoods through her company’s educational arm, Signature Educational Solutions, and has reached hundreds of students. Sierra also empowers girls and women with her enrichment and mentoring program, I am Moon Power, which creates a natural bridge for excellence.

Sierra Leone received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Toledo. Her personal drive for educational excellence inspired her to complete the Inner Visions Institute two-year Personal Development Program in the spring of 2019. That same year, Sierra graduated with her second master’s degree, receiving her Master of Business Administration from Wright State University.