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Siembra Connect Turned 1 This Week
Today we dedicate this issue to the poets.
Hello Cultivators,
Welcome to the newly redesigned Siembra Connect newsletter!
This issue is giving me the feels because we’re also celebrating our very first anniversary. One year ago, I planted the first seed of this project as a continuation of the #SiembraInitiative project I started during the pandemic. I believe today more than ever that creators, entrepreneurs, and community builders deserve a space that includes practical tools, resources, and inspiration to grow.
Just like the seasons remind us to refresh and renew, this redesign marks a fresh chapter for Siembra Connect. I’ve taken everything I learned in year one—your feedback, your stories, your wins and shaped a newsletter that’s easier to read, provides more value, and is more focused on helping you take action.
Inside, you’ll find content built around clarity, alignment, and amplification—the same framework we’ve been using to help creators like you grow with purpose. Think of this as your weekly cultivation guide: quick to digest, rooted in community, and ready to spark your next big move.
Thank you for being part of this journey from day one. Here’s to many more years of growing together.
The Power Of The Pivot: Juan PaPo Santiago
Juan “PaPo” Santiago has long been a force in the New York City arts scene, co-founding Capicu Cultural Showcase and LaSoPA NYC, continously building powerful stages where poets, storytellers, and cultural workers could share their voices, honor traditions, and create community, but now he’s embracing the power of the pivot, shifting from the role of cultural organizer to simply indulging his passion for talking about poetry…a move that proves pivots are not about leaving behind what you’ve built but about listening to where your creative energy wants to flow, slowing down when needed, and finding joy in the craft itself.
For Writers & Poets
Your words matter… and so does how you share them. Explore more articles designed to help you sharpen your craft, publish with confidence, and connect with readers who value your voice. From pitching your work to building a digital presence, these resources will guide you to grow both as an artist and as a creator.
Read More Here @ Siembra Connect
💰 Did You Know You Can Fund Your Poetry?
Getting your writing or poetry funded is more than financial support—it’s an investment in your voice and your vision. Grants and fellowships give poets the freedom to focus on craft without the constant pressure of making ends meet. They can open doors to residencies, mentorship, publication, and communities of fellow writers who share your passion. Whether you’re just starting out or already established, these opportunities help validate your work, amplify your reach, and give you the time and resources to create with purpose. Funding isn’t just about money—it’s about giving your art the space it deserves to grow.
Dia De Los Muertos - Los Angeles, 2019
I have compiled a list of some incredible opportunities for writers of color that I have compiled in my years building the Capicu Cultural Showcase.
The Cave Canem Foundation is one of the most important platforms for African American poets, offering tuition-free summer retreats, regional workshops, and book prizes. It has nurtured generations of Black poets by providing mentorship, publication opportunities, and a strong literary community. Learn more and apply at: cavecanempoets.org
The Furious Flower Poetry Center supports African American poetry with prizes, fellowships, and events that spotlight emerging poets. Winners of their poetry prize receive recognition, a reading at James Madison University, and publication in Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora. Details at: furiousflower.org
The Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award is a long-running prize specifically for African American poets. It provides publication and a cash award, continuing Madgett’s legacy of uplifting Black poetic voices. More information is available at: broadsidepress.org
The Letras Boricuas Fellowship, funded by the Mellon Foundation and Flamboyan Arts Fund, awards $25,000 unrestricted grants to Puerto Rican writers, including poets, living on the island or in the diaspora. It offers both recognition and meaningful financial support for Boricua voices. Explore details at: mellon.org
The NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) is one of the most significant grantmakers for Latinx artists across the United States and Puerto Rico. Poets can apply for project support or career development funding through their annual open calls. Guidelines and applications are at: nalac.org/grants
The CantoMundo Fellowship and Book Prize is dedicated to Latino poets, offering annual workshops, mentorship, and a publication prize in partnership with the University of Arkansas Press. It’s a community-driven space for Latino voices in U.S. poetry. Find more at: cantomundo.org
The Before Columbus Foundation’s American Book Awards celebrate multicultural literature, with past honorees including Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian American poets and writers. While not poetry-specific, the award provides national recognition without submission fees. Learn more at: beforecolumbusfoundation.com
Do you know a resource that should be on this list? Email me at [email protected]
🧠 Mental Health
I make sure that every week I create space for tools, tips, and support to help you navigate the ups and downs of the creator journey. From managing burnout to setting boundaries, this section provides practical strategies to protect your well-being while building your brand.
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