During the festival, I had the privilege of designing and executing several dynamic and impactful programs that enhanced the overall experience for attendees while fostering connections, creativity, and community engagement.

Educational Programming

I developed a two-pronged educational initiative focused on connecting young writers and readers with Festival authors to inspire and elevate their craft. The program also sought to explore how the Festival could positively impact literacy rates in New Mexico. Collaborating with incredible educators and organizations, I:

• Established partnerships with institutions such as the Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry, Santa Fe Public Library, New Mexico School for the Arts, and more.

• Coordinated outreach to local high school English departments to engage Junior-year students in meaningful interactions with authors.

• Organized and scheduled author-student sessions, utilizing dedicated spaces and leveraging Festival stages to elevate student voices.

• Managed complimentary tickets for students, teachers, and emerging writers in their 20s and 30s to ensure inclusivity.

• Updated and implemented event-specific waivers and release forms.

• Directed a team of volunteers to support author-student events, ensuring seamless execution.

• Initiated creative projects like "Words on Windows" to celebrate young voices and promote the Festival during Poetry Month.

Community Stage

I spearheaded the curation and management of the Community Stage, which served as a vibrant and inclusive platform for local talent. My contributions included:

• Designing a balanced and engaging program featuring speakers and writers from the Santa Fe Community College, IAIA, and other organizations.

• Collaborating with a small volunteer team to manage stage logistics and ensure smooth programming.

• Coordinating with A/V and stage management teams to create an inviting ambiance in the courtyard.

• Providing complimentary perks such as lunch, Festival tickets, and media coverage for Community Stage participants.

• Strategizing timing and flow to align courtyard programming with indoor Festival events, creating a cohesive attendee experience.

Musical Programming

Music played a vital role in creating the Festival’s atmosphere. I curated a blend of live performances and ambient playlists to cater to the event’s diverse audience. Highlights included:

• Booking live music for three evening receptions to set the tone for memorable evenings.

• Creating and implementing playlists throughout the Convention Center to maintain an energetic and welcoming environment.

• Collaborating with the Convention Center staff to optimize the sound system and troubleshoot technical challenges.

• Exploring opportunities to integrate music into the Community Stage and other high-traffic moments, energizing the Festival’s atmosphere.

Flexibility and Vision

Throughout my work, I embraced the dynamic nature of the Festival, adapting to emerging ideas and opportunities while maintaining a focus on time and budget constraints. By balancing thoughtful planning with creative execution, I contributed to a Festival experience that was inspiring, inclusive, and memorable.