Banu Valladares, former Literature Director for the North Carolina Arts Council, has taken the job of Executive Director with SonEdna, a literary arts organization based in Charleston, Mississippi.
Prior to joining the NCAC in 2007, Valladares served at the Durham Arts Council as the director of arts in education and community partnerships. She taught writing at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and for seven years, Valladares was a teaching artist, conducting local and international long-term residencies in public schools integrating creative writing into the curriculum. She is a member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network and has published a bilingual book of poetry called Gypsy Child (CPCC Press, 2005).
SonEdna was founded in 2006 by Myrna Colley-Lee to celebrate and support the literary arts and writers of all backgrounds. The organization presents readings by established and popular authors and provides space for writers to create new work. It also partners with schools and other organizations throughout the Delta to provide workshops that enrich the lives of the region’s youth. SonEdna believes that people empowered through the literary arts discern, decide, and design with greater authority, clarity, understanding, and compassion.
“Banu will be an excellent addition to our community and state,” said Colley-Lee, “having been deeply-involved with arts-based community development at the state and local levels in North Carolina.â€
Charleston, MS, is located in the Mississippi Delta and has a long history as a nurturing ground for writers. For the full press release, click here.
Going to be near Charleston, MS, on Thursday, July 31? Why not drop by the “Meet the Director” reception and congratulate Banu on her new post?
As far as the North Carolina Writers’ Network is concerned, we’re going to miss Banu—a lot. But we wish her all the best. Godspeed and good luck!