Who we are:

January 2020 Induction Celebration. (Back row, from left): Lisa Adamowicz Kless, Debra Hall, Theonita Cox, Joseph Engel, Jessie Lynn McMains, Darin Zimpel, Stephen Kalmar II, Kenyatta Turner, John Bloner, Jr. (Front row, from left): Jean Preston, Nick Ramsey, Esteban Colon.

The Kenosha/Racine Poets Laureate Program was established in 2011 to celebrate the power and beauty of language by recognizing poets who make meaningful impact on our diverse communities through their poetry, community involvement, and ability to embolden others to take up the pen and speak their souls. This Program is coordinated by a volunteer Board, which appoints poets, based on competitive applications and an interview process, to serve two-year terms as Poets Laureate of Kenosha and of Racine, Wisconsin, including their cities, towns, and villages.  

Past and Present Poets Laureate

Click on each poet's name to be directed to information about them and a sample of their work.

2023-24

Want to be our 2023-24 Poet Laureate?

2020-22

Debra Hall, Racine Poet Laureate
​Joseph Engel, Kenosha Poet Laureate

2018-19

Esteban Colon, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Carly-Anne Ravnikar, Kenosha Poet Laureate
​Kenyatta Turner, Racine Poet Laureate

2016-17

Brent Mitchell, Kenosha Poet Laureate
​Jessie Lynn McMains, Racine Poet Laureate

2014-15

Jean Preston, Kenosha Poet Laureate
​Nick Ramsey, Racine Poet Laureate

2011-13

Angie Aker, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Stephen Kalmar II, Racine Poet Laureate
Darin Zimpel, Racine Poet Laureate

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Board of Directors

Jennifer Kozelou, President/Treasurer
Theonita Cox, Vice-President
Lisa Adamowicz Kless, Secretary
Jean Preston
Nick Ramsey
​Mboya Sharif
​Esteban Colon