ANTHOLOGIES
Rise Speak Change: The 2017 Girls Write Now Anthology
At the QWERTY Digital Media Exhibition, our mentees showcased projects that are changing the way we tell narratives. A video overlaid with powerful poetry, thoughtful podcasts, and interactive games created with Twine — our mentees used the skills they learned in our digital workshops to create these multi-platform masterpieces.

Our mentees are defining the digital age by bringing the craft of writing into the 21st century. In our Digital Media Mentoring Program, we boost girls’ tech savvy and creative potential through digital media. In bringing our curriculum and writing approach into the digital age, we prepare the girls we serve to truly be the next generation of writers—on whatever platform they choose. Students are paired one-to-one with a digital media professional and together they transform their writing into digital art. All workshops are facilitated by graduate students at Parsons The New School for Design. Our workshops feature writing and digital skill-building exercises, prompts, and share-outs to diversify participants’ modes of self-expression. At the end of a program year, girls are equipped to tell a story in GIFs, a poem in HTML, and take their words to the next level.Together we embark on a journey of creative workshops, public readings and showcases, opportunities for publication, and more, all to give girls the tools to advance their writing through different mediums.
Introduction by
Foreword by
Moderated by
Read What's Inside
Browse our collection of stories from inside the book. Complete with notes from the author and anecdotes from our mentees and mentors.
Stories from Inside "Rise Speak Change" Coming Soon!
Stories from Inside "Rise Speak Change" Coming Soon!
If Only You Knew
Subconscious writes a letter to assure Natalie of the doubts she has about her self-worth.
Melanin Tears
A young girl born to immigrant parents trying to fit into American society. She realizes that she is uncomfortable with herself and the nation.
A Room of My Own
Join me on this four-year journey to become the Meril I am now.
If You’d Only Let Me In
If You’d Only Let Me In By Melanie Santiago Everyone tells Lucia she needs help, so she goes to an
As A Woman
In New York, there are many times I’ve been catcalled on the train. I wrote this poem to release my bottled up anger about the constant catcalls and times I was seen as an object.
of remembrance and regret
This essay is a tribute to my grandmother and an immortalization of my biggest regret.
Versions of our selves
These are poems we wrote, together and separately, while reflecting on the theme of transformation—these poems are about all the different versions of ourselves we hold at once.
tears of the past
Sometimes, we surprise ourselves in the ways we act in certain situations that life throws at us. This piece tells of my first encounter with this lesson.
Selected Poems
Writing poetry has served as an outlet to relieve stress during this anxiety-filled year. I’ve poured many of my feelings into these poems, some of which are selected here.
It Wasn’t Your Fault
To contemplation and betrayal.
Praise for Rise Speak Change
From the Literary Community
Intersectional Voices in Editorial Print Committee
Every year, the Intersectional Voices in Editorial (IV Edit) Print Committee brings their talents to the task of editing, producing, and promoting this fresh collection of writing from today’s emerging voices. The committee is made up of mentors, mentees, and other volunteers who are passionate about diversifying the publishing landscape.