Grace Fondow
Grace Fondow got her BA in Spanish Literature from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and her MFA in Creative Writing from California College of the Arts, where she co-founded the Poetry Collective, Daughter’s Tongue. She has poems published in The Oakland Review, Crack the Spine, and Theories of HER. She is the mom of a fiery 3-year-old, Phoenix Rose, and currently works in sales for a major tech company.
The impact of poetry and the spoken word club
Joining the Spoken Word Club in high school was one of the most impactful decisions of my life. Not only did this community become a family and safe space for me, where I made lifelong friendships and relationships, but it was where I truly bloomed into myself. I learned the value of my own voice and I fell in love with poetry and writing. I also learned a ton of leadership and communication skills that have helped me achieve success in all areas of life. After graduating, I found myself constantly seeking that same feeling of home and community. If it wasn’t around, I created it. My experience in Spoken Word pushed me to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing, to co-found a poetry collective, and to become a teaching artist and performer. In my sales career today, I am one of the top reps in my office and I am certain it’s because of my experience as a Spoken Word poet. Because of Spoken Word, I have embraced public speaking, I am incredibly articulate and concise, and can emphatically and effectively get any point across. I am forever grateful for Mr. Kahn and the Spoken Word Club.
Top favorite poets or lyricists
Poets: Lucille Clifton, Sonia Sanchez, and Sandra Cisneros
Lyricists: Jamila Woods, Lauryn Hill, Nitty Scott
Writing Prompts
Write about a lesson you taught someone/someone taught you that you wish hadn’t been learned
Write about a family curse you wish to break or have broken
Write about a family tradition you hope never goes away