Dawn Angelicca Barcelona

Dawn Angelicca Barcelona is a Chicago-based writer with a diverse background in poetry, literature, and mental health advocacy. She received the San Francisco Foundation/Nomadic Press Literary Awards in 2022 and was recognized for her chapbook manuscript. Dawn's professional journey includes working as a technical recruiter at startups like MuleSoft, Samsara, and Benchling. She has also been actively involved in curating art festivals and fellowships, such as the Kearny Street Workshop's APAture festival and the Interdisciplinary Writers Lab. Dawn's experience extends to her role as a U.S. Department of State Fulbright Grantee in South Korea, where she developed an English as a Foreign Language curriculum and served as the President of the Fulbright Association of Northern California. Dedicated to mental health advocacy, Dawn collaborates with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness and provide support through speaking engagements and facilitation of support groups. She co-chaired NAMI SF's Diversity Action Committee to enhance mental health access and support for the BIPOC community.