Writing since the tender age of seven, 'Rie Michelle has been captivating audiences with her literary prowess since grade school. She competed in her first oratory competition in second grade, landing second place with her original work "I Am Somebody 'Cause God Don't Make No Junk." She returned to the competition the following year, seizing first place, and her writing has continued on an upward trajectory ever since. She went on to dominate everything associated with words and writing, winning several more oratory competitions, numerous spelling bees, and even a coveted first-place win in the national Young Author's Writing Competition. Though she was always the youngest to compete, 'Rie Michelle reigned with oratorical finesse, continuously producing works that demonstrated a profound sense of self and a depth beyond her years. As she progressed in school and in life, her writing became more personal, as it was an outward expression of inward battles. During her college years at Northern Illinois University, where she earned her BA in Sociology, 'Rie Michelle projected her voice in writing while she remained a woman of few words concerning the things that troubled her. It was during this time that "12 Rounds" was written. Originally a poem that chronicled the biggest battles of her own life, "12 Rounds" evolved into her first published book with a message of perseverance and triumph for any and everyone who has contended with various opponents in life, even when the opponent was "self." "You don't have to say a lot to have a lot to say." Once told this by a mentor, 'Rie Michelle often quotes this to describe her writing style as well as to encourage others. She relies on quality over quantity. 'Rie Michelle is usually a woman of very few words, but yet is a powerful force with much influence, and is sometimes referred to as the "Quiet Storm." She is without question a prominent and inspirational voice in this generation. Not only as an author, poet, and spoken word artist, but as the founder and CEO of Young V.O.I.C.E.S. Enlightened-an emerging nonprofit, educating and empowering youth to use the power of eloquent speech and vocal ability for change- 'Rie Michelle is in continuous pursuit of restoring individuals and their voices through the arts. Contact Rie Michelle for more information, inquiries, and bookings via email at: [email protected] www.riemichelle.com www.facebook.com/signedriemichelle Writing since the tender age of seven, 'Rie Michelle has been captivating audiences with her literary prowess since grade school. She competed in her first oratory competition in second grade, landing second place with her original work "I Am Somebody 'Cause God Don't Make No Junk." She returned to the competition the following year, seizing first place, and her writing has continued on an upward trajectory ever since. She went on to dominate everything associated with words and writing, winning several more oratory competitions, numerous spelling bees, and even a coveted first-place win in the national Young Author's Writing Competition. Though she was always the youngest to compete, 'Rie Michelle reigned with oratorical finesse, continuously producing works that demonstrated a profound sense of self and a depth beyond her years. As she progressed in school and in life, her writing became more personal, as it was an outward expression of inward battles. During her college years at Northern Illinois University, where she earned her BA in Sociology, 'Rie Michelle projected her voice in writing while she remained a woman of few words concerning the things that troubled her. It was during this time that "12 Rounds" was written. Originally a poem that chronicled the biggest battles of her own life, "12 Rounds" evolved into her first published book with a message of perseverance and triumph for any and everyone who has contended with various opponents in life, even when the opponent was "self." "You don't have to say a lot to have a lot to say." Once told this by a mentor, 'Rie Michelle often quotes this to describe her writing style as well as to encourage others. She relies on quality over quantity. 'Rie Michelle is usually a woman of very few words, but yet is a powerful force with much influence, and is sometimes referred to as the "Quiet Storm." She is without question a prominent and inspirational voice in this generation. Not only as an author, poet, and spoken word artist, but as the founder and CEO of Young V.O.I.C.E.S. Enlightened-an emerging nonprofit, educating and empowering youth to use the power of eloquent speech and vocal ability for change- 'Rie Michelle is in continuous pursuit of restoring individuals and their voices through the arts. Contact Rie Michelle for more information, inquiries, and bookings via email at: [email protected] www.riemichelle.com www.facebook.com/signedriemichelle