O, Miami Poetry

We asked Greenhouse mentor Nicole Combeau what her highlights were from the mentorship process. Her answer emphasizes how the Greenhouse is not just about the time spent in the program—it’s also about the lasting connections that extend beyond the program. ??? Nicole’s mentee, Ashley Caste?ada (pictured), showcased their skills when they assisted Nicole in a two-part workshop series on book arts at the Miami-Dade Public Library. ?????? This collaboration is just one example of how Greenhouse alum continue to build their professional lives and thrive beyond the program. Applications for the 2025 Greenhouse summer growing season are open until April 15. Apply here https://bit.ly/3DwtxhN ??

Meet Alanna Siemer, our Media Manager! ?? If her face looks familiar, it’s because she first joined O, Miami in 2023, supporting the production of our annual poetry festival. Now, she supports O, Miami’s marketing and communications efforts—helping make sure poetry reaches every corner of Miami. Swipe to see what part of her work at O, Miami she’s most excited about! ??

Thank you, Flamingo Magazine (Flamingo / JSR Media), for featuring Ode to Boca! ?? As Boca Raton celebrates its Centennial, the city embraces a literary spirit with poems that honor what makes it unique. We're proud to bring our ZipOde initiative—created in partnership with WLRN Public Media—to Boca Raton, inviting the community to craft their own poetic tribute. Here's to a century of stories, memories, and the words that bring them to life! ???? View the article here https://bit.ly/3Rp8uki.

Meet Kristia Leon, O, Miami’s Education Manager! ?? Kristia first joined O, Miami as a fellow in 2020 and quickly became an essential part of our growing education program. Now, she’s bringing poetry into classrooms across Miami—including teaching it in French! ???? With a passion for blending therapeutic approaches into writing curricula, Kristia is on a mission to use creative writing to bridge academic gaps and empower students. From managing free in-school residencies to coordinating workshops and beyond, she’s making poetry more accessible, one classroom at a time. Swipe to see how her work at O, Miami continues to inspire her artistic practice. ??

Pajamas, poetry, and a little bit of magic ??? Every year, kids take the mic under the stars at Poetry in Pajamas—sharing favorite poems, dancing to live music, and exploring hands-on art. A night of words, wonder, and whimsy at Miami Beach Botanical Garden. We’re back this year on Saturday, April 5th—same magic, new memories. 6–8:30 PM at Miami Beach Botanical Garden. RSVP here https://bit.ly/4c6q0DC! ??

Say hello to Marie McGrath, O, Miami’s Director of Development! ?? Marie is the force behind our fundraising and major gift campaigns, building relationships with sponsors and supporters to keep our mission thriving. With a background as both a classroom educator and nonprofit executive, she brings a deep passion for community and storytelling back to Miami. When she’s not crafting compelling narratives for O, Miami, she’s in the kitchen, cooking for her podcast, Spare Time! ?????? Swipe to see how her work at O, Miami continues to nourish her artistic practice. ??

We’re looking for volunteers for the 2025 O, Miami Poetry Festival! ???? Our volunteers are essential in helping us get festival-ready—assisting with everything from distributing our iconic festival tote to supporting project managers behind the scenes. Whether it’s organizing materials or lending a hand with early event setup, your time and effort help bring our festival to life! With the festival kicking off soon, now’s the perfect time to get involved! Sign up today https://bit.ly/4hK43ve and be part of the magic. ???

?? Greenhouse applications are now open! ?? The O, Miami Greenhouse is a guided self-study program for South Florida creatives of all disciplines aged 18-25. ?????? The program is open to individuals regardless of intersectionality. Through one-on-one mentorship, professional development, and access to Miami artists and arts spaces, the Greenhouse program cultivates the skills and projects of budding Miami creatives across artistic disciplines. This program is not suitable for students enrolled or planning to attend a 2 or 4-year program in the Fall of 2025 or Spring 2026. ?? Applications open March 1 and close April 15. ?? To apply, click here https://bit.ly/4j5dBSM!

Meet Amancio Paradela, O, Miami’s Development Manager. ? Amancio’s passion for the arts is reaffirmed by the arts’ transformational force in not only the lives of individuals but in the greater community—a subject that is featured heavily in their artistic practice as a sculptor and maker. After years of collaboration, he officially joined the team in 2021 as a Development Associate—and he’s been helping shape O, Miami’s future ever since. Swipe to read one of their favorite O, Miami memories.

Meet Yasmin Waheed (Z. Yasmin W.)—writer, translator, artist, and O, Miami’s 2024-2025 Poetry Coalition Fellow! ???? Last year, Yasmin was part of our Greenhouse cohort. Now she’s bringing her passion for storytelling back to O, Miami in a big way. With a knack for bridging language and culture, she’s dedicated to uplifting South Florida stories—whether through creative events, compelling publications, or bold community projects. Swipe to see what part of Yasmin's work at O, Miami she looks forward to the most.