Instructors:
Czaerra Galicinao Ucol, Director of Luya
Christian(she/they), Creative Director of Luya
Janelle Salanga (they/them), Visayan and Chinese writer
Chachie Abara (she,her,siya), Founder of Kasamahan Co
Czaerra Galicinao Ucol [right] is a queer Filipino writer from Chicago. They hold a B.A. in Asian/Pacific/American Studies from New York University and are the Program and Communications Director of Luya, a grassroots poetry organization centering people of color in Chicago. They are a 2021 Best New Poets nominee. In their free time, they like listening to Lake Michigan’s waves crashing, basking in gardens, and trying out new recipes.
Christian (she/they) [left] is a queer, multiracial Filipinx poet, teaching artist, and community organizer currently based in Chicago. She is the founder and Creative Director of Luya, a poetry organization that centers the voices of people of color. She currently serves as the Youth Organizer at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, and she believes deeply in using poetry to build community and to educate ourselves about history. Her poetry has been published at Injustice Watch, the Chicago Reader, and Marias at Sampaguitas. Her performances have been featured at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Stony Island Arts Bank, Young Chicago Authors, on NPR’s Worldview, and more. When she’s not poeming-around you can find her cooking in her PJs, slaying dragons in Skyrim, or subtweeting the patriarchy.
It is recommended to attend all 3 workshops. Space is limited so please sign up only if you can commit to all dates and times. Please note, this workshop will be in-person and open to writers of all experience levels.
Instructor:
Sean-Joseph Choo
Sean-Joseph Choo is an actor, composer, and writer employed at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.
Sean’s plays have been selected for readings at Playbuilders of Hawai’i and Kumu Kahua Theatre. He is one of three playwrights participating in the 2021 Creative Lab Hawai’i Playwrights Immersive Program. Sean is a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Playwright Development Committee at Kumu Kahua Theatre, and the Consortium of Asian American Theaters & Artists.
Instructor:
Jesand Amodo (aka Jehzan Exclusive)
Born & raised on Oahu, HI Jesand Amodo (aka Jehzan Exclusive) is a rising pinay hip hop artist, educator, and entrepreneur. As a “90s kid” in the Filipino diaspora, Jesand grew up with a love for music and storytelling. During her senior year of high school, she participated in a youth conference at UC Berkeley, where she learned how to think critically about issues in her community, take action, and express herself through spoken word. Since then, Jesand has served in the Hawai’i Army National Guard, earned her B.S.B.A in Marketing from Hawai’i Pacific University, and continues to expand her goals and dreams through hip hop, education, and entrepreneurship. As an artist, Jesand has performed in Hawai’i, California, and the Philippines; she is highly active on social media. In addition to music and entrepreneurship, she has been teaching on Oahu for 5 years. Jesand and her partner, Gie, co-founded their independent music label, SkyLex Records in 2012. Jesand currently works as a computer/technology teacher at Kauluwela Elementary School.