Kayla Nelson Named DC Youth Poet Laureate

Kayla Nelson, a DC SCORES alumna and freshman at the Coolidge Early College Academy, has been named the 2026 DC Youth Poet Laureate.

The honor recognizes Kayla’s work as a poet, mentor, and advocate for youth voices across the District. For Kayla, who first discovered the power of poetry through DC SCORES at MacFarland Middle School just a few years ago, the appointment marks a meaningful full-circle moment. 

Poetry Became Her Platform

Kayla joined DC SCORES four years ago as a middle school poet-athlete at MacFarland Middle School. At just 11 years old, she stepped onto the stage for the first time at the 2022 DC SCORES Middle School Poetry Slam to perform her original poem, “Political Decisions.”

The poem explored what it feels like to be a young person with strong opinions about the world, and no one willing to listen. Through her words, Kayla challenged adults and leaders to take youth voices seriously and include young people in conversations that affect their lives.

“Poetry made me believe that I had a stronger voice than I thought I did,” she said. “I used to be kinda shy and didn’t always speak out a lot or advocate for myself, but with poetry I started to realize that people would listen to me.”

The message resonated and Kayla earned the Shine Award for Best Individual Performance at her very first slam — a moment that marked the beginning of a journey that would take her far beyond the stage. 

Growing into Her Power

Since that first slam, Kayla has performed at some of the region’s most prominent venues, including Arena Stage, Audi Field, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

In 2023, she performed at the Oprah Winfrey Theater during the National Summer Learning Association’s annual summit.

“I’m a Black kid from DC performing at the Black history museum,” Kayla reflected at the time. “That felt like an origin story — like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”

As her platform grew, so did her leadership.

Kayla began mentoring younger poets through Youth WORD, DC SCORES’ advanced poetry program. Today, as a freshman at Coolidge High School, she has judged DC SCORES poetry slams and served as a teaching assistant at DC SCORES’ summer camp, where she supported poetry specialists Beyond Your Definition and Malachi ‘Malpractice’ Byrd — himself a former DC Youth Poet Laureate — in helping younger poet-athletes build confidence in their writing and performance.

When DC SCORES staff were asked by the DC Office of the Attorney General to recommend a student for the DC Ambassador role at the Do the Write Thing Summit, Kayla was the first name that came to mind. She applied — and earned the position.

“She understands the talent that she has and uses her power and influence for good,” shared Tatiana Figueroa Ramírez, DC SCORES Senior Director of Poetry & Community Arts. “She’s always encouraging and empowering other poet-athletes.”

Writing What She Lives

Kayla writes about what she lives and what she sees. Her poetry confronts gun violence, centers youth voice, and reflects the grief, resilience, and responsibility that come with growing up in the District. 

One of her most powerful pieces was written after a DC SCORES alum from nearby Roosevelt High School was shot and killed. Rather than turning away from the pain, Kayla turned toward it — using poetry to process loss, honor life, and call attention to the realities young people face every day. 

Her work is also deeply rooted in family. Kayla often writes about her late grandfather, whose legacy shaped her commitment to education, humility, and service. Her mother and grandmother have been present for every performance, from community spaces to national stages — a steady source of grounding that carries through her words and leadership. 

Through poetry, Kayla explores what it means to be a young woman of color in DC, what it means to have power, and how to use her voice with intention. 

Leadership Rooted in Service

As Kayla’s platform has grown, so has her sense of responsibility. Her poetry has opened doors, but her leadership shows up in how she uses those opportunities — to uplift others, not just herself. Even with more and more recognition, Kayla remains grounded. 

“Through her voice, she’s learned how to balance confidence with service,” shared Tatiana Figueroa Ramírez, Senior Director of Poetry & Community Arts. “Kayla leads with humility.”

Now, as DC Youth Poet Laureate, Kayla carries that same approach forward. The title gives her a larger platform, but her purpose remains unchanged: to make space for other young voices and ensure they are heard. For Kayla, poetry is a way to use her voice with intention.

“It’s important to me to talk about other kids, what we’re doing, what we’re missing, and what we have to look forward to.” she said. “Kids are looking at the world today and wondering ‘what am I going to do as an adult?’ or ‘where do I fit in a new economy?”

She sees poetry as a way to hold those questions openly, and to invite adults to listen more closely.

“When adults pass the torch, what’s going to happen?” Kayla added. “Kids need more support and more people willing to listen and help us through that transition. That’s something I want to explore — and push forward — through my poetry.”

About the DC Youth Poet Laureate Program 

The Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) Program is a joint program of Urban Word NYC and Words, Beats & Life, Inc., with support from local government & partnering organizations, which aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic & community engagement, artistic excellence, human relations, youth activism, diversity and education across the region. Learn more at https://wblinc.org/dmvypl. 

For booking or media inquiries related to Kayla’s role as DC Youth Poet Laureate, please contact [email protected].