Nick Mendoza is a writer, dancer, and musician from Iowa City. He works at United Action for Youth as their Community Engagement AmeriCorps. He has worn many hats; from leading support groups with Teen Parents and Transitional Living programs, assisting with events such as MLK Day of Service, PrideCon, and Juneteenth, to leading weekly music lessons, Dungeons and Dragons playgroups, and Writing Club.
In both his personal and professional life, he writes predominantly poetry and reflective stories. His writing is a tool for allowing young people to feel like they have a voice. His writing club is only one of many services UAY offers to empower youth via artistic expression.
The music for this podcast is "Ira" by Blake Shaw.
Ongoing support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Iowa Arts Council, and from the United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund. Phase 1 is an initiative of Arts Midwest and its peer United States Regional Arts Organizations made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Writers of Color Reading Series is produced by the Englert in Iowa City, Iowa, and is supported by Friends of the Englert. Visit www.englert.org/friends to support our programming.
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Host: Jesus “Chuy” Renteria
Line Producer & Audio Engineer: Savannah Lane
Executive Producers: John Schickedanz & Andre Perry
