About This Episode: In this episode, Mikki sits down with Michelle Richardson—known to many as La Poetica—the first-ever poet laureate of Lynn, Massachusetts. A bilingual poet, performer, and cultural connector, Michelle has transformed open mics into powerful spaces of healing, advocacy, and artistic liberation. Her journey from childhood in Peabody to becoming a celebrated voice for community empowerment is nothing short of remarkable. They explore her evolution from a young girl who stood up against injustice in her high school to a bold woman building ecosystems of healing through poetry and connection. Together, they go beyond the brand to reveal Michelle’s unshakable commitment to creating safe spaces for storytelling—particularly for those who often go unheard. Key Moments: Michelle’s early advocacy work as a teen confronting racial injustice in Peabody schools The birth and rebirth of her bilingual open mics and their role in uplifting youth and people in recovery A powerful moment of accountability and learning around pronouns and inclusion How Creative Collective helped Michelle access grant opportunities and scale her mission Her mission to “become who I needed” during life’s hardest moments About the Speakers: Mikki Wilson is your host, a team member of Creative Collective and the founder of Dot Connector Consulting, where she works with women to amplify their value, voice, and visibility with intention. Michelle “La Poetica” Richardson is a bilingual poet, cultural connector, and the first-ever poet laureate of Lynn. She is the founder and host of a dynamic series of open mics dedicated to self-expression, community building, and artistic freedom. 📍 Find her open mics every 1st and 3rd Sunday at Lynn Music Foundation’s Neil Rantoul Vault Theater, 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA: Youth Open Mic: 4–6 PM (w/ workshop) Guided Meditation: 6:15–6:45 PM 18+ Open Mic: 7–11 PM 🎨 Includes Creative Soul Marketplace for vendors and makers! Connect & Support: Instagram: @michellelapoetica Linktree: [Insert Link] Credits: This podcast is produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV, your community media center serving the residents and businesses of Peabody and the North Shore area. Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast. Learn more at creativecollectivema.com 🎙️ Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.