Empowering
communities through poetry workshops that inspire creativity, growth, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
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About
Pen Power Poetry™ is more than just a workshop; it’s a movement to uplift and empower everybody, one poem at a time
In many schools, children have not had the chance to develop a love for intellectual pursuits. In St. Louis, only 20% of third graders are reading at the national grade level. Through poetry, which can be both enjoyable and easy, Pen Power Poetry™ brings joy and laughter to students who may or may not be accustomed to finding joy in such activities.
Our poetry workshops are designed to ignite a passion for reading and self-expression among all youth and adulta in Saint Louis, including those who have faced barriers due to limited resources. We believe in the power of words---how a simple verse can unlock a world of imagination, confidence, and self-discovery. Our mission is to create a safe, inspiring space where everyone can explore the beauty of language in a fun and creative way to find their voice.
At our core, we are about empowerment. Through engaging activities, guided writing exercises, and collaborative sharing, Pen Power Poetry equips these young poets with the tools they need to express themselves freely and powerfully. By fostering a love for reading and writing, we hope to not only boost literacy but also instill a sense of self-worth and possibility.
2000+
Pen Power Poetry worksheets distributed
1,500+
Workshop attendees, learners, and students in St. Louis
200+
Workshops in the Saint Louis area
30
Partner organizations
5,000+
Teachers involved with Pen Power Poetry
100+
Schools impacted by Pen Power Poetry
Pen Power Poetry has hosted workshops in collaboration with these organizations, among others.
Thank you to recognition from the following organizations:
I absolutely loved seeing Izzy host a workshop for our girls at Girl PowHer, teaching them how to use poetry to heal. She connected with them on such a deep level, empowered them, and showed them how to pour their hearts out through words. She is truly an inspiration and a sweetheart. Her workshops go beyond reading and writing. They help with self-expression, and more importantly, self-worth. Parents and teachers have attested to the transformations they've seen in children who were never before interested in books and writing. My girls describe her workshops as something they want to do forever. The spark she has lit is, in so many cases, the beginning of a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
– Reann Hines, CEO and Founder of the Behind It All Foundation
I don't know what spell Izzy put on my students, but they won't shut up about her. When is the next poetry workshop, when is the next poetry workshop . . . it's annoying, actually. Izzy is an amazing host. She has given many at KAIROS a place that they feel they belong in.
- Communications Director, KAIROS Academies
Isabelle's workshops were inspiring! Her bubbly and warm demeanor guided my students and really helped them come out of their shells to find their creativity. Their poems and presentations were amazing, as a result! Thank you, Isabelle!
– Nova Walton, Director of the Sisterhood Program
This girl knows what she is doing. These workshops are just the FUNNEST for the kids. They love her, and she helps them to love writing. Literacy is love. Pen Power Poetry is love. The kids absolutely adore this program.
– Morgan Joiner, Unleashing Potential
"No one can do it like Izzy. It has to be her [leading the workshops]. Izzy makes poetry fun, and to be honest it's never something that I ever thought was fun. Our monthly workshops are the best, and I am always excited for them. She's the funnest teacher ever."
– 7th grade student at St. Louis County Library Program
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What I loved about this workshop was how heard I felt. I had never read a piece of writing before anybody in my life, but I felt safe to express myself and I'm so glad that Izzy supported me the whole way. She is an amazing instructor, poet, and friend.
– Bianca, 15 years old at St. Louis Housing Authority Summer Camp
Every Thursday after school, I look forward to Pen Power Poetry. Writing poetry is awesome with Miss Izzy. My favorite part is when we create the "feedback table" where people who need Miss Izzy's advice sit together with her.
– Macy, 5th grade student at Pershing Elementary school
