Iona’s Hispanic Organization for Latin Awareness (H.O.L.A) was proud to invite and present once again renowned Def Jam Poetry Artist, Mayda Del Valle. Del Valle is of Puerto Rican dissent and was born and raised in the South Side of Chicago. Unbeknownst to many fans, Del Valle has been writing poetry since age 14 and only stopped writing upon entering college in rural Massachusetts. The chaos of college, however, did not stop this female empowering go-getter, and Del Valle was once again led back to her true passion—poetry writing. The Chicago Times has described Del Valle to ‘have a way with words’ and this is certainly true. By reaching a variety of audiences with her inspirational and awe-inspiring words, Del Valle has been invited to speak on Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on HBO. This Latina powerhouse not only appeared on the show for six whole episodes of the season, but she also became a contributing writer and original cast member of the Tony Award winning Def Poetry Jam on Broadway.

Not only has she appeared on HBO but she has also toured with Norman Lear’s Declare Yourself Spoken Word Tour to help encourage young voter registration for the 2004 presidential elections. Lear has worked in the television and film industry for many years alongside his multitude of side-jobs as a political and social activist and philanthropist. Also, she has been considered by The Smithsonian magazine as one of “America’s Young Innovators in the Arts and