I’m a questioner. I’m also a writer, educator, and traveler.

I’m interested in finding connections between justice, creativity, and the human soul. I’m always on the lookout for hidden beauty and wisdom that must not be lost.

I recently spent an amazing year at the Baha’i House of Worship for North America, writing and working with others in the Chicago area who are inspiring social change through the arts, sciences, religion, women’s voices, and indigenous knowledge. The aim is to foster bonds of support, listening and advocacy, especially between communities where there is a legacy of fear and oppression.

I’ve lived and traveled throughout the United States, UK, Europe and the Middle East, teaching and learning from women, youth, and minority communities. In 2014, I was lucky enough to design and teach a class to 17 young Roma leaders from across Europe, at Central European University in Budapest. The course “Voice and World” explored the intersection of self-expression and social justice. In Hungary, I also worked with Furugh Switzer and her pioneering “Our Story” program of literacy and support circles for Roma mothers and youth.

Other organizations I’ve worked with include Ashoka, the Institute for Educational Leadership, Eastside Educational Trust, the creative writing people at 826 DC, the European Press Prize, and The Guardian newspaper. I’ve also worked on documentaries for broadcast on National Public Radio and the BBC, including the documentary film To Light a Candle.

I have a BA International Relations and Education from American University in Washington DC, and an MSc in Philosophy & Public Policy from the London School of Economics.

I give workshops on voice and poetry to people of all ages.

Peace, Andréana (AE) Lefton