History
In the 28 years since our inception, we have brought the power of the literary arts to over 2 million people.
Recipient of the 2023 Dallas City of Learning Superintendent Award, we have a storied past. We’ve sent thousands of writers into communities and schools to effect positive change through publications, events, media, and outreach programs that have garnered local, regional, and national recognition: 20 NEAs grants; twice ranked #1 literary project and three times the #1 literary arts organization in the state; and the Writers Studio, our acclaimed literary series taped for NPR-affiliates, named both “Best of Dallas” and “Best of Big D.
Mission
The Writer's Garret connects people through the power of language.
Statement on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Implicit in this mission is the desire, and even the need, to work closely with diverse partners, individuals, and suppliers, who provide immediate access to the many communities in our service area. The Writer’s Garret values diversity in the variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences in culture and circumstance. The Writer’s Garret does not discriminate based on such differences, including race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and / or veteran status.
Safe Workplace & Harassment Policy
The Writer’s Garret is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, displays, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual's gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated. As an example, sexual harassment (both overt and subtle) is a form of misconduct that is demeaning to another person, undermines the integrity of The Writer’s Garret relationship with the individual and the community, and is strictly prohibited.
The Writer’s Garret mission extends beyond the organization to provide services to the public, and its integrity requires that all persons associated with The Writer’s Garret act in a manner that conveys the values of the organization. Accordingly, The Writer’s Garret prohibits any discrimination and unlawful harassment by any person associated with The Writer’s Garret while representing the organization.
The Writer's Garret Board Of Trustees
Trustee
Maryam Baig
Trustee
Nicole LeBoeuf
President
Jazmine Lewis
Secretary
Joe Milazzo
Trustee
Monica Puente
Trustee
Stephanie Sierra
Trustee
Lola Vinson
Staff
Executive Director
Aaron Glover
Aaron Glover’s first chapbook, Bio Logic, was released in February 2017 via INF Press. His poetry appears in the Virginia Quarterly Review, Illya’s Honey, the Red River Review, Chicon Street Poets, and elsewhere. From 2011-2016, he was on faculty in the Department of Performance Studies at Texas A&M University. As a performer and director, he worked throughout Texas and the Great Plains. He holds an MFA from the University of Houston.
Accounting Administrator
M. Grace Kenney
M. Grace Kenney has been with The Writer’s Garret for over a decade. A voracious reader, she is a graduate of Tulane University and has a background in corporate and non-profit financials.
Program Coordinator
Sharon Mansfield
Sharon Mansfield is a non practicing attorney, supermom, and passionate Dallasite. She has shown a high level of commitment to youth development by serving as a scout leader, debate team coach and as a literacy tutor including 2 terms of service with AmeriCorps. She has helped create school-based organizations aimed at building community within schools and their surrounding neighborhoods including an after school writing club for elementary students that became virtual after the pandemic began. She believes that educational equity and access to the arts is the key to making Dallas a city of opportunity for all of its residents.