Renowned Poet and Educator Mayda Alexandra del Valle to Serve as Next Chicago Poet Laureate

Renowned Poet and Educator Mayda Alexandra del Valle to Serve as Next Chicago Poet Laureate

Chicago-Born Poet and Performer with a National Platform in Literary and Spoken-Word Arts Will Serve as the City’s Creative Ambassador

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Public Library and the Poetry Foundation, announced Mayda Alexandra del Valle as Chicago’s second Poet Laureate.

A poet, performer, educator and interdisciplinary artist born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Del Valle brings a multidisciplinary practice rooted in poetry, performance, music, movement and cultural history.

As Chicago Poet Laureate, Del Valle will serve a two-year term and receive $70,000 to commission new works and create public programming, including initiatives for youth, students and community members. The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for Chicago’s literary and creative communities.

“Chicago has always been a city shaped by bold voices and powerful storytelling,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Mayda Alexandra del Valle’s work reflects the heart, soul and creativity of our city. Her appointment honors Chicago’s rich literary legacy while investing in a future where poetry continues to bring people together.”

Del Valle is the author of A South Side Girl’s Guide to Love and Sex and The University of Hip-Hop, winner of the 2016 Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize from Northwestern University Press. She launched her career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where she became the 2001 Grand Slam Champion before also winning the National Poetry Slam within the same year, becoming the youngest poet and the first Latine person to do so. She has appeared on six episodes of HBO’s Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, and was a contributing writer and original cast member of the Tony Award-winning Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway.

"Poetry has always been a way for me to explore and understand my multiple lineages and to imagine what’s possible. I’ve felt that from a young age,” said Del Valle. “I step into this role with gratitude and excitement, eager to connect with communities across Chicago and honor the voices and stories that shape this city.”

Del Valle’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Urban Latino, Latina Magazine, Mass Appeal and The Source. Smithsonian Magazine named her one of America’s Young Innovators in the Arts and Sciences, and O, The Oprah Magazine included her in its inaugural “O Power List,” which recognized women making an impact in business, politics and the arts. She has performed across the United States and internationally, including a 2009 appearance at the White House by invitation of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

“Mayda is an artist whose work bridges poetry, performance and community,” said Kenya Merritt, DCASE Acting Commissioner. “Her practice reflects the depth and diversity of Chicago’s literary landscape, particularly the voices and histories rooted on the South Side. As Poet Laureate, she will help expand access to poetry across neighborhoods, create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with language and ensure that poetry remains a living, accessible and essential part of Chicago’s cultural life.”

“We are honored to welcome Mayda Alexandra del Valle as the next Chicago Poet Laureate and excited to collaborate with her on programming across our neighborhood library locations,” said Chris Brown, Chicago Public Library Commissioner. “This program amplifies Chicago’s extraordinary literary talent while creating meaningful opportunities for residents to experience poetry in accessible and inspiring ways.”

Del Valle succeeds inaugural Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young, whose two-year tenure broached inclusivity, community and civic pride through various programming initiatives. His signature project, Chicago Soul Poem: A City That Writes Together, showcased at Millennium Park’s summer film and concert series this past season and premiered in full to a standing-room-only audience at the Poetry Foundation in December 2025. The collaborative project united established and emerging poets to honor the people, places and stories that define Chicago, illuminating the city’s complexity and beauty through poetry and film.

The Chicago Poet Laureate program was established in 2023 through advocacy from the city’s creative and civic communities to elevate Chicago’s historic contributions to the literary arts and celebrate the impact of working artists. Del Valle’s appointment builds on the foundation established by the city’s inaugural Poet Laureate and reflects Chicago’s continued commitment to literary expression and civic engagement.


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