About Us
From left: Kenyatta Turner, Jennifer Meixelsperger, Theonita Cox, Stephen Kalmar II, Nick Demske, Jessie Lynn McMains (and Conor McMains), Nick Ramsey, Jean Preston, John Bloner, Jr., Esteban Colon, Carly-Anne Ravnikar. Not pictured: Lisa Adamowicz Kless, Brent Mitchell, and Darin Zimpel.
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 to speak their souls. This Program is coordinated by a nine-member, volunteer Board, which appoints poets, based on competitive applications and an interview process, to serve two-year terms as Poet Laureate of Kenosha and of Racine, Wisconsin.
Past and Present Poets Laureate
Click on each poet's name to be directed to information about them and a sample of their work.
2011-13
Angie Aker, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Stephen Kalmar, Racine Poet Laureate
Darin Zimpel, Racine Poet Laureate
Stephen Kalmar, Racine Poet Laureate
Darin Zimpel, Racine Poet Laureate
* Eric Huff, Kenosha Poet Laureate, was unable to serve because a job opportunity required him to leave the community.
2014-15
2016-17
2018-19
Esteban Colon, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Carly-Anne Ravnikar, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Kenyatta Turner, Racine Poet Laureate
Carly-Anne Ravnikar, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Kenyatta Turner, Racine Poet Laureate
2020-21
Debra Hall, Racine Poet Laureate
Joseph Engel, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Joseph Engel, Kenosha Poet Laureate
Board of Directors
Stephen Kalmar II, President/Treasurer
Jean Preston, President/Treasurer
Theonita Cox, Vice-President
John Bloner, Jr., Secretary
Esteban Colon
Lisa Adamowicz Kless
Nick Ramsey
Jennifer Meixelsperger
Jean Preston, President/Treasurer
Theonita Cox, Vice-President
John Bloner, Jr., Secretary
Esteban Colon
Lisa Adamowicz Kless
Nick Ramsey
Jennifer Meixelsperger
