O, Miami

In 2009, just after getting my MFA in Creative Writing, I founded a literary non-profit called O, Miami. The name comes from the combination of the poetic address of the beloved (“O,”) and my beloved (“Miami”). The goal was to create an organization that uses poetry as a means of celebrating the city and engaging its residents. Over sixteen years as executive and artistic director, I grew O, Miami from a hobby into a $1 million+ budget organization with a staff of nine and personally oversaw the production of nearly 1,000 events and projects. Watch some of those stories here. I stepped down as director in 2024 and now serve on the board of directors.

Visit omiami.org or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

O, Miami Books

In 2014, I oversaw the creation of a publishing imprint at O, Miami focused on Miami’s regional identity. As publisher and executive editor, I acquired, edited, and creative directed 26 books in a variety of genres and mediums. Proud of our fiercely local focus, our goal has always been to print books that no one outside Miami would think to print. Check them out in the O, Miami shop.

O, MIAMI TOTE BAGS

Every April, O, Miami releases a new tote bag. We give them away for free, while supplies last, to attendees of the festival. Art directing the tote bag was maybe my favorite part of the job.

VIDEOS

Because much of what O, Miami makes is time-based, ephemeral public art, video has always been an important tool in telling our stories. I produced hundreds of short videos for our events and projects and for about five years also served as editor. Here are a few of my favorites. For more, visit O, Miami’s vimeo page.