Rachelle Escamilla
2024-2025 Monterey County Poet Laureate
The Poet Laureate is an honorary position that celebrates Monterey County’s cultural heritage and promotes literacy and literature among county residents. Escamilla is only the second to hold the title. She begins a two-year term commencing January 2024 and will receive a $5,000 honorarium, funded by Arts4MC.
As a Chicana poet from the Central Coast of California, with an impressive literary journey. Rachelle is the author of three poetry books, including “Imaginary Animal,” winner of the Willow Books Prize in Literature for Poetry.
Escamilla has made her mark in poetry, founded organizations, hosted a long-running poetry radio show, and conducted research at the Library of Congress. Among her many honors, Rachelle has received awards such as the Virginia de Arujo Academy of American Poets Prize and the Philanthropist of the Year for her contributions. Rachelle’s impact extends globally, with her nonfiction writing published in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Learn more about Rachelle Escamilla HERE.
To book, contact ReNae Jackson at 831-622-9060 or via email at [email protected].