For Poet Helene Achanzar, Chicago Is A City Of Artists

Helene Achanzar grew up throwing herself into any and every hobby — but she’s always been a writer. She found a natural voice for poetry at a young age; it was something she could engage with and practice without a formal environment. Now, Achanzar is the director of programs at the Chicago Poetry Center, where she manages poetry residencies, workshops and other educational programs for Chicago Public Schools. Bringing opportunities to students in Chicago Public Schools makes Achanzar look back on opportunities and connections she had as a student, and the importance of meeting working artists at a young age. This is what her Chicago sounds like.

This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Helene’s work by visiting heleneachanzar.com.