Who We Are

Power Poetry would not be possible without the hardworking, talented, and dedicated staff who endeavor to have young people be heard. The Power Poetry team is responsible for promoting a safe space where poets can share their work, as well as encouraging more growth in the organization.

 

George Weiner

Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer

 

George is the co-founder and CTO of Power Poetry — the largest teen poetry platform in the U.S.. He is also the Founder and CEO of WholeWhale.com, a digital agency that leverages data and technology to increase the impact of nonprofits. Prior to WholeWhale.com, George was the CTO of DoSomething.org. During his 7 years at DoSomething.org, he oversaw the complete overhaul of the site twice (winning a Webby Award and nominations), helping to build a community of over 1.5 million young people taking action.

 

Jessica Wiener

Manager of Digital Community and Programs, Content Creator, Social Media Manager and Intern Supervisor

 

Jessica is Power Poetry's Digital Community and Social Media Manager. She's been working with Power Poetry since day one when she started as a Content Creator Intern. She interacts with the community daily on-site and through Power Poetry's social media channels. Jessica uses audience feedback to curate content and poetry slam topics that are fresh and appealing for young adult readers.

She graduated from Siena College with a Bachelor's Degree in English and is a bibliophile with a strong passion for poetry and young adult literature. Jessica believes that often the quietest individuals in the room have the most interesting things to say, and that in a world where everyone tends to talk over one another, it is those who patiently listen, internalize, and formulate who hold the key to a better future. When she’s not working, Jessica can be found geeking out over the latest superhero movie.

 

Roland Legiardi-Laura

Founder

 

On April 20, 2016, Roland Legiardi-Laura, a documentary filmmaker, poet, educator and founder passed away from a protracted battle with cancer. Roland founded the To Be Heard Foundation to carry on the work he began with Power Writers and Power Poetry.