Why We Started This Circle
This writing circle was created out of need. Chyina Powell and Julene Allen saw that while the publishing industry is huge, there seemed to be very little room for women of color, and even less exposure. Walk into your favorite bookstore, unless it’s by a well-known name or a bestseller, the only way to discover a new book by a woman of color was to search. Hard.
That being said, women of color have voices. We have some of the most amazing stories to share with the world and yet many of these voices were not being nurtured. Many of these stories go unheard and that is sad. Every voice matters. This circle began as a way to give women of color a safe and inclusive space to share their diverse stories.
Founders:
Chyina Powell is an editor and writer at Powell Editorial. She is the financial chair of the Alumni Epsilon chapter of the International English Honors’ Society, Sigma Tau Delta and her writing interests lie mainly in speculative fiction and creative nonfiction. With years of editorial and publishing experience as well as a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Pennsylvania, Chyina is passionate about her work and shining a light on those voices previously unheard or misrepresented.
Julene Allen is a military veteran, and former insurance professional turned women’s rights activist, journalist, author, and CEO of Women of Color in the Workplace®. The new brand provides educational resources, research, and documents the experience of women of color in the workplace to formulate a bridge between the talent and companies. As a self-taught interviewer with over ten years of experience, Julene has recorded the stories of approximately 100 women leaders.
Board Members:
Chyina Powell, CEO
Contact her at chyina@wocwriterscircle.org
Miya Chisolm, Secretary
Miya is an aspiring herbalist and has received certification in herbal medicine production. Currently, she’s studying for a second certification in herbal immersion while running an herbal consultation business called Murmur. Additionally, Miya has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Ohio State University and a Masters in psychology from Capella University. She is currently drafting a low-stakes contemporary college romance and plotting a Stardew Valley inspired novella, both with a heavily Black cast.
Contact her at miya@wocwriterscircle.org
Women of Color Writers Circle 