Kashvi Ramani: An Inspirational Voice in 21st Century Poetry and the First-Ever Virginia State Youth Poet Laureate
Kashvi Ramani is an award-winning poet, writer, actor, singer, songwriter, and future filmmaker from Northern Virginia. The 2022 regional Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) of Arlington, Virginia, was recently named the Inaugural Virginia State Youth Poet Laureate for 2023-2024.
In collaboration with Teens with a Purpose and Hampton Roads Youth Poets, Urban World presents the first-ever Virginia State Youth Poet Laureate Program. Words Beats and Life (WBL) and Urban World host the DMV’s regional Youth Poet Laureate programs for Washington, Montgomery County, Maryland, and Arlington, Virginia. Ramani, a talented young poet, embodies the values and goals of the Virginia State and Regional Youth Poet Laureate Programs. Her dedication to leadership, education, civic and community engagement, and performance poetry make her a role model for aspiring poets in the region. Through her powerful words and captivating performances, Ramani inspires others to use poetry as a tool for personal expression and positive change.
Ramani's talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. WBL’s Art Education Academy selected Ramani to compete on their Slam team for the 2020—2021 season. The Poetry Society of Virginia, Young Poets in the Community, Collaborative Solutions for Communities, and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have all recognized her skills. Ramini's achievements extend beyond the realm of poetry, with her inclusion in the 2023 Congressional Award Gold Medalist Class.
Ramani's work centers on her heritage, identity, and the struggles of being a young female Indian American in the 21st century. Her unique perspective and powerful voice have garnered attention and praise from both the poetry community and various organizations. Her work has appeared in Brown Girl Magazine, Rattle, the YoungArts Anthology, Loudoun Community Magazine, SEEMA, American Kahani, AsAmNews, and others. Her ability to explore themes of cultural identity and personal challenges resonates with audiences, making her an important voice in contemporary poetry. Despite the underrepresentation of Indian American poets, Ramani's success serves as an inspiration. Encouraging aspiring writers from similar backgrounds to share their own stories and experiences through the art of poetry.
As the representative of Virginia, Kashvi Ramani will face off against 44 other state YPLs for the title of 2024 National Youth Poet Laureate. Ramani's journey as a poet has not only been a personal achievement but a symbol of representation and diversity in the literary world. Her book release and final performance at the prestigious Kennedy Center on Sept. 26 solidifies her position as a rising star in the poetry community.
