Louisiana-born and Portland-based, Jae Nichelle is the author of the poetry collection God Themselves and the chapbook The Porch (As Sanctuary). Jae began competing in poetry slams at 15 years old, becoming one of the inaugural winners of Youth Speaks’ national “Raise Up” competition at 17. Nine years later, Her poetry has appeared in The Offing Magazine, Muzzle Magazine, The Washington Square Review, and elsewhere. Additionally, her viral spoken word piece about anxiety, “Friends With Benefits,” has amassed millions of views and counting. When she’s not writing, you can find her hopping between random hobbies like embroidery, gardening, record collecting, candle-making, latte art, and boxing.