Gabriela Pereira

Gabriela Pereira is the Founder and Instigator of DIY MFA, a platform designed to provide a do-it-yourself alternative to traditional Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in writing. Based in New York, she has dedicated her career to empowering writers and creatives to take control of their education and professional development.

Background and Education

Gabriela holds an MFA in writing from The New School. Her journey into the world of DIY MFA began after her graduation, driven by a desire to continue learning and engaging with the writing community. She recognized gaps in traditional educational systems, particularly regarding practical knowledge about publishing and marketing, which led her to create a more accessible and interactive educational experience for writers.124

DIY MFA

Founded in 2010, DIY MFA aims to challenge the status quo of higher education by offering immersive and engaging online courses that focus on practical skills rather than conventional information transfer. The program is designed for writers at various stages of their careers, emphasizing personalized learning paths that align with individual goals.35 Gabriela describes DIY MFA as building "theme parks for the mind," highlighting its innovative approach to education.2

Contributions and Impact

In addition to leading DIY MFA, Gabriela is an author, TEDx speaker, and host of the DIY MFA Radio podcast, where she interviews bestselling authors and industry professionals. Her work has fostered a vibrant community among writers seeking support and resources outside traditional academic settings.46 Gabriela's mission extends beyond education; she aims to empower creatives to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset in their careers.14

Personal Insights

Gabriela openly shares her experiences with mental health challenges, including living with bipolar disorder, which informs her approach to creativity and education. She emphasizes the importance of finding unconventional learning styles and building supportive writing communities.23

Through her initiatives, Gabriela Pereira continues to inspire countless writers to pursue their craft with confidence and autonomy.