Performer/Director/Teaching Artist
I write to awaken
I believe poetry is more than art — it is legacy, testimony, and a mirror held up to our times. As a Spoken Word poet, performer, and community builder, my mission is to create spaces where truth can breathe and where people feel seen, heard, and empowered through creative expression.
Leah Joy Pearson aka MayaRose
My Work

“Not Disposable The Play”
A tribute to Aiyana Mo’Nay Stanley Jones and a wake up call to action for racial justice.
Imagine who she would be if systematic racism didn’t take her life?
I am the visionary, one of the executive producers, director and performer of this dynamic and powerful multimedia Spoken Word play developed with support from the CT Theatre Exchange.

This show was birthed from the inspirational work of artist, author and actor Steve Parlato’s collages “They are not disposable”. A series which emerged as a response to the tragic death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Aiyana, one of his youngest muses compels us to pay attention to and encourage thoughtful conversations in healing our communities.
More videos below.
Come be part of our mission to end police brutality.
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”
Community Leadership
Community is at the heart of everything I do. I host Speak Your Mind on Spectrum Channel 192, a community access television show that brings together poets, storytellers, writers, and advocates to celebrate creativity across Connecticut. I believe every voice has power — and that sharing those voices builds bridges, fosters dialogue, and heals communities.
I’ve facilitated writing workshops and performances at CT Folk Fest, CT Riverview Music Fest (Shelton), Poetry in Motion, Piece of Mind Poetry, and through multiple Arts Alliance of Woodbury initiatives. I am committed to diversity-focused artistic programming and to nurturing intergenerational connections through storytelling and performance.
Teaching & Mentorship
I spent two years teaching and directing theatre for at-risk girls of color with the nonprofit S.G.O.F in Waterbury, using creativity as a tool for confidence, healing, and personal agency. I continue to mentor young creatives and emerging Spoken Word artists across the state.
Publications & Media
I am the author of Poems from My Broken Heart: Expressions on the Spiral of Life, a collection exploring grief, resilience, and transformation. My past performances and new work can be viewed on my YouTube channel, MayaRoseSpokenWord.
My Purpose
I believe in the power of the arts to ignite change, preserve history, and strengthen community. Through performance, storytelling, and creative leadership, my goal is to bring people together — to awaken awareness, celebrate diversity, and remind us all that our voices matter.
Not Disposable: A Play
Community “Artivism”
Art as Activism.
A Public Service
Announcement!

Bring us to your town.
Let’s get this done together
Performance excerpts and community panel discussion

Join our mailing and part of the conversation
To connect on Bling mayarosespokenword@gmail.com

Join MayaRose SpokenWord newsletter























wonderful, you are a awesome poet and a great photographer also a great subsutute for my 4th grade class
~ Donnie Scacco
Thank you so much. The kids inspired me so much with their creativity, passion and deep thinking. Good job teachers and parents.