city of dayton poet laureate
Book Sierra Leone, City of Dayton Poet Laureate
Sierra Leone is a writer and leader of an urban poetry movement in Dayton, Ohio, Governor’s Award winner, and a 2020 Kennedy Center Artist Fellowship Finalist Nominee. Sierra Leone has served as artist in residence at the University of Dayton HUB, and is currently the inaugural artist in residence for the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. She has written and performed commissioned work for many local and national organizations including: “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.
Her powerful and moving presentation earned her a role 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.
About the establishment of the Dayton Poet Laureate
After conversations about ways to honor Dayton's literary history with Culture Works, 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.
PURPOSE OF THE POET LAUREATE PROGRAM
The City of Dayton, acknowledging the profound impact of Poetry as a form of expression, literature, and a promoter of literacy, is committed to supporting the community of poets. In this vein, we establish the position of "The Poet Laureate of the City of Dayton", a role that will be instrumental in celebrating our city's culture and heritage. This position will be administered by the mayor's office in partnership with Culture Works.
Read the City Commission's Resolution from the June 2024 City Commission Meeting HERE.
CONTACT EMAIL: poetlaureatedayton@cultureworks.org