I believe poetry is more than art — it is legacy, testimony, and a mirror held up to our times. As a Spoken Word poet, performer, and community builder, my mission is to create spaces where truth can breathe and where people feel seen, heard, and empowered through creative expression.

As a Connecticut native, Community is at the heart of everything I do. I host Speak Your Mind on Spectrum Channel 192, a local television show in Newtown that brings together poets, storytellers, writers, and advocates to celebrate creativity across Connecticut. I believe every voice has power — and that sharing those voices builds bridges, fosters dialogue, and heals communities.

I’ve facilitated writing workshops and performances at CT Folk Fest (New Haven), Riverview Music Fest (Shelton): Piece of Mind Poetry, as well as Poetry in Motion, and diversity writing and panel discussions through multiple Arts Alliance of Woodbury initiatives. I am committed to diversity-focused artistic programming and to nurturing intergenerational connections through storytelling and performance.

I spent two years teaching and directing theatre for at-risk girls of color with the nonprofit S.G.O.F in Waterbury, using creativity as a tool for confidence, healing, and personal agency. I continue to mentor young creatives and emerging Spoken Word artists across the state.

I believe in the power of the arts to ignite change, preserve history, and strengthen community. Through performance, storytelling, and creative leadership, my goal is to bring people together — to awaken awareness, celebrate equality, and remind us all that our voices matter.

I am the visionary, one of the executive producers, director, and performers of Not Disposable: The Play, a dynamic and powerful multimedia Spoken Word play developed with support from the CT Theatre Exchange.

This show was birthed from the inspirational work of artist Steve Parlato's collages "They are not disposable". A series that emerged as a response to the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.  Aiyana Jones, one of his youngest muses and our main character, compels us to pay attention and encourages thoughtful conversations as we work to heal and create racial justice.

LeahJoy Pearson ~

aka MayaRose SpokenWord