Essentially Poetic: An Essential Voices Monthly Reading Series for Community Building, July 2025
Join us for our next installment of Essentially Poetic: An Essential Voices Reading Series for Community Building on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM CST on Zoom
Essentially Poetic: An Essential Voices Reading Series Community Building is a curation of poets, artists, essayists, novelists, educators, and everyday individuals whose deemed their voice essential, their work necessary, and their compassion for community building contagious and inspiring. This space is free of judgement and hate, and is a space for writers, readers, and admirers to come together to listen and uplift one another in a creative, poetic, and intentional online space.
Essentially Poetic is dedicated to amplifying essential voices throughout our world. By creating an online environment, we can reach beyond geographical borders and barriers. The essential voice echoes loud and translates intuitively. Join us each month as we come together to celebrate featured readers and artists and listen to their poetic and essential voice.
Meet our July Essentially Poetic Featured Readers:
Pictured from left to right: Sonáli, Emmanuel Con Dos Emmes, Victoria Lopez, Abigail Vela, Kenan Philip, Julia-Paz Garza
Unfolded Poetry Project was founded in 2022 on the importance of self-expression and the unique ability of poetry to connect individuals across diverse backgrounds. Their mission is to inspire individuality through the practice of written and spoken voices fostering a collective human connection and shared understanding.
A local McAllen-based literary arts organization, Unfolded Poetry Project offers a wide range of programs designed to engage and uplift both emerging and seasoned poets. From interactive workshops and open mic events to focused writing sessions and online engagement, their initiatives provide a supportive space for creativity, learning, and personal growth. Unfolded Poetry Project is committed to making poetry accessible and meaningful to all.
Poets of Unfolded Poetry Project:
Victoria Lopez is the Executive Director and Founder of Unfolded: Poetry Project. She served as the 2022 City of McAllen Poet Laureate and will serve a second term in 2025. Her debut novel, Fire in May, was published in 2016, and she is known for her “Poetry on Demand” performances. Victoria leads workshops at the McAllen Public Library, and her poetry collection will be released in 2025.
Abigail “Avi” Vela is a co-founder of Unfolded: Poetry Project, where she leads community outreach and engages participants in transformative workshops. She is also the managing editor at Trucha RGV and a multidisciplinary artist focused on identity, healing, and nature. Avi inspires community growth through art and storytelling.
Sonáli is a co-founder and the Director of Marketing and Events at Unfolded: Poetry Project. She is a local musician experienced in Jazz and Latin Jazz styles. With a personal mission to foster creativity and expression in others, she organizes impactful events for the community and creates a vibrant space for artistic growth.
Emmanuel Con Dos Emmes is an illustrator, writer, and poet from Veracruz, Mexico, who serves as the Director of Technology and Culture. His role includes managing digital tools and teaching bilingual poetry workshops to expand accessibility. Emmanuel’s vibrant work reflects Latin American magical realism, and he brings his creative expertise to Unfolded’s mission to promote individuality and connection through poetry.
Julia-Paz Garza is a poet and educator recognized as Teacher of the Year in the Santa Maria School District. She serves as the Director of Educational Outreach at Unfolded: Poetry Project. Her poetry reflects personal experiences and cultural heritage, inspiring others to express themselves creatively. She is dedicated to expanding educational reach and maintaining financial transparency through her work with Unfolded.
Kenan Philip is the Director of Volunteer Coordination at Unfolded: Poetry Project. He leads workshops and volunteers to ensure well-run events. His commitment to community involvement shines through his volunteer management, ensuring every event is a success.
To learn more about Unfolded Poetry Project’s mission, initiatives, and events visit https://unfoldedpoetryproject.com/ and follow them on Instagram and Facebook @unfoldedpoetryproject.
Essentially Poetic is honored to hold space for the Unfolded Poetry Project Poets who are active in sharing and providing the Rio Grande Valley opportunities for personal creative expression and community building.
