About DK

FACILITATE

The missing element for dynamic and necessary conversations, oftentimes, can be a skilled and neutral facilitator. Dasha holds space and dialogue in a way that honors all voices while stewarding the body toward a productive and effective outcome. From moderating panels to conducting idea-sourcing engagements, Dasha is an empathetic and nimble discussion leader.

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CURATE

With 30 years of experience in project management, program development, event planning, show production, communications campaigns and curriculum design, Dasha brings a breadth of experience, strategy and imagination to cultural organizing and engagement design.

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ORATE

As a keynote speaker, storyteller or spoken word artist, Dasha lends a unique and compelling voice. While she is adept to craft a customize messaging, she favors opportunities to discuss equity, creativity and culture.

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EDUCATE

Dasha stirs ideas and the courage to carve them into writing, into conversation. She holds workshops and retreats on writing, symposiums on cultural organizing, in-service for educators, and implicit bias training for leadership teams.

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Learn more about DASHA KELLY

Dasha Kelly is a writer, performance artist and creative change agent. She has authored award-winning poetry, essays and fiction. She is a mainstage storyteller and host with The Moth, an alum of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, Poet Laureate Emerita for both the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin and a National Laureate Fellow with the American Academy of Poets. In 2024, Dasha was named a Living Legacy Honoree by the licensing agency for the legendary poet Gwendolyn Brooks. A skilled engagement practitioner and instructor, Dasha has facilitated initiatives in Botswana, Mauritius and Beirut as an Arts Envoy for the U.S. Embassy. Her nationally-touring stage show, Makin’ Cake, serves audiences a unique conversation on race, class and equity. Her documentary film of the same title premiered in Spring 2026. Her nonprofit literary arts organization, Still Waters Collective, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Dasha’s recent releases are a poetry anthology, A Line Meant (Jaded Ibis Press), a 10th anniversary edition of Almost Crimson (Traitmarker Books), and a new novel, Baker’s Dozen (Jaded Ibis).