Photo from malaya_ulan/Instagram Filipino American student activist Malaya Ulan has been named the 2024-2025 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate. The 16-year-old junior at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber received the prestigious recognition from the Free Library of Philadelphia. The youth poet laureate is selected each year by a committee composed of teachers, poets and cultural organization professionals.

As the new Philadelphia youth poet laureate, she has earned a scholarship and mentorship from the city’s adult poet laureate Kai Davis . Davis and Ulan will serve as poetry ambassadors at community events in Philadelphia. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address.

I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . During the announcement last Sept.18, she showcased her Filipino heritage by wearing a Filipiniana terno.

Philadelphia’s new Youth Poet Laureate, Malaya Ulan, a 16-year-old junior at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, brings a diverse artistic background in poetry, dance, film, and painting. https://t.co/p4ojyBOZjW — PHILADELPHIA.

Today (@PHILLYToday_) September 23, 2024 You may also like: WATCH: 15-year-old Fil-Am prodigy making her mark in cancer research Davis described Ulan as “fiercely dedicated to justice but also tender, empathetic, and compassionate.” As an artist and activist, she uses her talents across multiple platforms including dance, poetry and filmmaking to connect with her Fili.