SUPPORT DOMINICAN WRITERS
"Because our stories matter"
Dominican Writers Association is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit literary arts organization amplifying Dominican-American voices—and, in turn, creating a thriving community of creatives. They are committed to nurturing and promoting the works of Dominican writers, ensuring visibility and recognition in literary publishing.
Since its inception in 2015, DWA has strived to educate the community, celebrate Latinx culture, and foster literacy by providing the community with the necessary resources to develop their writing further—free writing workshops, book readings/book signings, book club meetings, book giveaways, and an annual writer's conference.
The imprint of DWA Press has published 100+ Dominican writers in the genres of poetry, creative non-fiction, comic, memoir, children, and speculative fiction. DWA is inclusive of emerging & professional writers ranging in age, gender, and education.
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Recognized by a community of writers who share their fervor for the written word, Dominican Writers Association stimulates enthusiasm for constant learning, development, evolution, and the implementation of shared knowledge.
DWA mentorship has nurtured, guided, and instilled self-confidence in its writers, many of whom have gone on to sign with literary agents, publish award-winning works, receive acceptance in prestigious residencies, and flourish in favor of their peers.
Dominican Writers fosters a culture of literary growth, artistic expression, and authorship, enabling Dominican creatives to articulate their vision and, in turn, change the publishing landscape.
meet the dwa team!
Angela Abreu
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DWA
Angela "Angy" Abreu is a Dominican-American mom, writer and community organizer. Angy firmly believes that “if it does not exist then you must create it.” In 2015, feeling dismissed as a Dominican American writer in many literary spaces, she decided to create the Dominican Writers Association a 501 c3 non-profit organization solely dedicated to highlighting content that not only promotes the works of Dominican Writers but also provides them with the tools and resources necessary for their development. Angy is the Creative Director of Dominican Writers and along with the Board manages and creates content that serves the Dominican Writers population.
In the Spring of 2019 Angy and the Dominican Writers Association organized the First Annual Dominican Writers Conference in honor of Josefina Baez, a one-day event that offered 15 writing workshops and 13 discussion panels. For more information on the conference please click here.
Michael "JuanBago" Diaz
BOARD MEMBER
Michael Diaz is a producer, writer, and actor based in New York City. His award-winning short films and sketches have generated over 30 million views on YouTube and Facebook. He founded comedy troupe ROOM 28, which was featured on NBC’s BRING THE FUNNY in 2019. As a brand content creator, he has worked with brands such as Brisk, Verizon, Pepsi and PGA Tour in creating Latino-driven, comedy content. He currently hosts the Award-Winning Podcast LATINOS OUT LOUD and has interviewed guests such as John Leguizamo, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Kid Mero.
Yoseli Castillo
BOARD MEMBER
Yoseli Castillo Fuertes, born in La Vega, D.R. in 1972, migrated to the United States at the age of 16. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Spanish Literature. She is a bilingual-Afro-Dominican-Latina-lesbian-poet-activist-teacher-aunt-foster mom. She is a Cave Canem alumnus. Her poems and short stories have appeared in various anthologies and online magazines in New York, Buenos Aires, Madrid and Santo Domingo. Her self published book De eso sí se habla / Of That, I speak is available at cyoseli@yahoo.com. @yoseliescribe https://www.facebook.com/yoselicastillofuertes/?ref=bookmarks