S T A F F
C E O / F O U N D E R
Kraal “Kayo” Charles
Kraal “Kayo” Charles, a Brooklyn native, is a performer, playwright, and producer. Kayo has traveled extensively around the globe to be featured on stage, television, radio, and film. He became the youngest Grand Slam Champion at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Café in 1998, and was the first poet ever to present to audiences of millions at the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square. Kayo was highlighted during the inaugural season of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and in the documentaries, Bone Bristle and Hughes Dreams Harlem.
MANAGEMENT
Program Manager
Ramya Ramana
A Brooklyn native, performer, playwright, and producer. Kayo has traveled extensively around the globe to be featured on stage, television, radio, and film. He became the youngest Grand Slam Champion at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Café in 1998, and was the first poet ever to present to audiences of millions at the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square. Kayo was highlighted during the inaugural season of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and in the documentaries, Bone Bristle and Hughes Dreams Harlem.
for business inquiries | ramya@generationverb.com
HR/Payroll
Sharisse Austin
A Brooklyn native, performer, playwright, and producer. Kayo has traveled extensively around the globe to be featured on stage, television, radio, and film. He became the youngest Grand Slam Champion.
for business inquiries | sharisse@generationverb.com
TEACHING-ARTIST
Poet | Teaching Artist | Media Consultant
Advocate of Wordz
An award winning performing poet, certified breeder of mythical creatures, and educator who teaches his students how to talk their way out of detention. Wordz’s work has been featured/covered by the LA Times, CNN, Univision, PBS, and more. From classrooms, to stages, to animations explaining obscure facts about poetry, Advocate endeavors to remind people how entertaining it is to speak up.
Teaching Artist
D-Black
An award winning performing poet, certified breeder of mythical creatures, and educator who teaches his students how to talk their way out of detention. Wordz’s work has been featured/covered by the LA Times, CNN, Univision, PBS, and more. From classrooms, to stages, to animations explaining obscure facts about poetry, Advocate endeavors to remind people how entertaining it is to speak up.
Teaching Artist
Bonafide Rojas
An award winning performing poet, certified breeder of mythical creatures, and educator who teaches his students how to talk their way out of detention. Wordz’s work has been featured/covered by the LA Times, CNN, Univision, PBS, and more. From classrooms, to stages, to animations explaining obscure facts about poetry, Advocate endeavors to remind people how entertaining it is to speak up.
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