Poetry has carried me from the streets of the Bronx to the hills and hollers of Appalachia and beyond. This page gathers recent news, honors, publications, and projects—milestones shaped by the communities that have been part of my journey.
November 7, 2026 — Kentucky Book Festival
I’ll be participating in the Kentucky Book Festival in Lexington, Kentucky, and look forward to sharing Orfeito and reconnecting with Kentucky’s literary community.
October 27, 2026 — Panelist, “DEI Under Attack: Social Workers and Universities Fighting Back?!” I’ll join Dr. Samuel L. Bradley, Jr., and Danyella Kara, MSW, for a live virtual forum presented by the Social Worker Equity Campaign, a chapter of the Social Welfare Action Alliance. The discussion will focus on the opportunities DEI was established to address and how social workers and universities can respond. The event runs from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. ET.
October 31, 2026 — Kentucky State Poetry Society Conference
I’ll deliver the keynote for the Kentucky State Poetry Society’s 60th anniversary conference, celebrating six decades of poetry with writers from Kentucky and beyond.
October 14, 2026 — BronxNet OPEN interview
My interview about Orfeito, my latest poetry book, and my journey as a writer aired on BronxNet OPEN. Watch the interview.
October 11, 2026 — Manny Grimaldi on Orfeito
Manny Grimaldi shared a video reflecting on Orfeito and reading two poems, “Cinco Cuatro Dos” and “Sonámbulo.” Watch on YouTube. Many thanks to Manny.
August 26, 2026 — Orfeito published
Accents Publishing released Orfeito, my latest poetry collection.
June 24, 2026 — James Applewhite Poetry Prize semifinalist
One of my poems advanced to the next phase of judging for the North Carolina Poetry Society’s James Applewhite Poetry Prize. I’m honored to be named a semifinalist.
May 31, 2026 — Accents Publishing selection
Accents Publishing announced that my manuscript Orfeito was selected during its 2025 Open Reading Period for publication in 2026.
March 1, 2026 — Heartland Review finalist
The Heartland Review announced the winner of the Joy Boone Poetry Prize. My poem was among the top ten finalists.
April 2026 — Keynote speaker
Annual Meeting and Open House, Community Action of Southern Indiana — Jeffersonville, Indiana.
February 20, 2026 — Featured reader
Affrilachian Poets 35th Anniversary Reading, hosted by Transylvania University.
January 2025 — Featured speaker
Latina/o Studies Program Speaker Series, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
September 2024 — Featured poet
Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home National Reading Series, sponsored by the Library of America, SUNY Oswego — Oswego, New York.
September 2023 — Keynote speaker
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, SUNY Oneonta — Oneonta, New York.
March 2023 — Featured poet
Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series, Appalachian State University — Boone, North Carolina.
November 2021 — Poetry contest judge
Festival of Faith Youth Poetry Contest — Louisville, Kentucky.
September 2021 — Keynote speaker
Asanbe Diversity Symposium, Austin Peay State University — Clarksville, Tennessee.
January 2017 — Guest speaker and poet
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Program, University of Wisconsin–Superior — Superior, Wisconsin.
January 2017 — Featured poet
“Affrilachia y el Caribe” Poetry Reading, 42nd Annual Appalachian Studies Association Conference — Asheville, North Carolina.