About MPC
About Our Mission: Miami Poetry Club (MPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to being the central, multicultural public literary organization in Miami, fostering the emergence of diverse voices.
Our mission is to provide inclusive, accessible poetry education and events to amplify and enrich the lives of Miamians (and beyond) through the transformational power of writing and community.
Vision: To establish Miami as a hub for literary arts where our diverse stories are celebrated, cultivated, and shared with the world, striving for "A writer in every home."
Supporters: Our team includes multi-hyphenate creatives with a proven track records in community and organizational building, exemplified by our Co Executive Directors Sten Garcia and Micah Marie Johnson. Our first supporters include longtime Miami performer and poet, Oscar Fuentes The Biscayne Poet, and emerging poet and author, Neysa King.
Community Needs Addressed: MPC addresses the need for greater representation of writers in Miami at the national level, increased diversity among writers from non-academic backgrounds, greater access to writing and literary arts events for non-writers in diverse communities, and the educational impact on the city's cultural experience.
Target Population: MPC targets a multigenerational, multicultural, and diverse socioeconomic population.
Outreach Strategies: MPC leverages community partnerships, digital platforms, and inclusive events to engage and serve its diverse target population.
MPC Impact: MPC actively promotes underrepresented voices and provides a platform for diverse communities to express themselves through poetry and writing.
Non-Profit Capacity Building Needs: MPC's top capacity building need is developing partnerships with local educators, authors, and leaders to enrich the scope of its workshops. A secondary capacity building need is board development to strengthen the organization's governance and strategic direction.
Use of Grant Funds and Donation: Grant funds and Direct Donations support writing workshops, outreach, and administrative expenses to establish a strong foundation and build capacity for future growth, ensuring the sustainability of MPC's mission.
Executive Leadership:
Micah Marie Johnson, Programs Director
Sten Garcia, Culture Director
Past/Current Partnerships:
THE LAB MIAMI, co-working space
MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT
BOOKS & BOOKS
FROST FIU
THE CITY OF DORAL
TOMAS REDRADO ART GALLERY
THE CITY OF HOMESTEAD
JULIA & HENRY’S FOOD HALL
GREENSPACE GALLERY
WE MET IN MIAMI
Meet the Poet Visionaries Behind the Miami Poetry Club
Sten Garcia, the original founder and Culture Director of the Miami Poetry Club, is a performance poet and dedicated community builder.
Sten’s vision for the club extends well beyond Miami and Florida, aspiring to create a nationwide movement where poetry fuels creativity and fosters connections. His leadership and innovative approach aim to unite diverse voices and celebrate the transformative power of poetry.
Micah Marie Johnson, our incredible Programs Director, is a multifaceted creative and community minded force. An accomplished writer, her poetry and short stories have graced the pages of The Pierian Journal, Two Friends Publishing, SWWIM’s collaboration with FIU, and Indie Earth Publishing. Micah’s performances have captivated audiences at the Adrienne Arsht Center, O, Miami Poetry, The Olympia Theater, the Front Yard Theater Collective stages, and others.
With her passion for poetic expression and community engagement, Micah shapes our programs to inspire and elevate voices throughout Miami.
“At the Miami Poetry Club, our leadership team embodies the essence of our mission: to harness the power of poetry to foster creativity, connection, and community impact.
As a nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to nurturing artistic expression and building lasting relationships within and beyond our local community. Your support allows us to continue offering impactful programs, reach new audiences, and make poetry an accessible and transformative experience for all. Together, we’re not just celebrating the art of poetry—we’re empowering individuals and strengthening our collective voice.”
