S. Renee Mitchell, M.B.A., is an award-winning writer, storyteller, performer, playwright, public speaker, curriculum designer, social justice grant writer, creative consultant and multi-media artist. She had a 25-year career as a newspaper journalist and was nominated - twice - for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in commentary. After leaving journalism, Renee became a popular writer-in-residence and curriculum developer. She quickly noticed that many of her younger students were shy, insecure and/or bullied. Renee had similar experiences when she was growing up. So, she decided to do something to help change that and empower marginalized young people to find their voice, build their courage and self-esteem and learn valuable social skills. No one should feel powerless in the face of a bully! As a result, Renee wrote and illustrated her first book for children, which includes a Parent/Teacher Handbook. Renee further developed the idea, using Common Core Standards-based curriculum, to encourage children to be SUPER Heroes, thereby celebrating the qualities of empathy, compassion and kindness, which can help break the cycle of bullying.
Very hands-on, with lots of opportunities to use imagination, music and creativity.
* Graduate, Art of Leadership, a 6-month, skill-building program to sit on Boards of Directors for arts-related organizations through Business for Culture & the Arts, a Portland-based non-profit (2013) * Awesome Portland Award winner for developing anti-bullying project, $1,000 prize (2013) * Delegate for 10-day, World Pulse magazine’s women empowerment trip to Kenya and Rwanda (2011) * Josiah Hill Public Health Hero, Multnomah County, Oregon (2010) * Nominee for Pulitzer Prize for commentary (2008/05) * No. 1 Newspaper Commentator in five states, regional Society of Professional Journalists (2008) * Ida B. Wells Bravery in Journalism Award, NYC-based Women’s eNews (2006) * One of 21 Leaders of the 21st Century, NYC-based Women’s eNews (2006) * Brainstorm Magazine’s 15 Top Interesting People in Oregon (2004) *Delta Sigma Theta’s Woman of Excellence in Community Service Award (2003
I have a B.A. in journalism and a M.B.A. with a specialty in marketing.
Renee believes her efforts to empower young people and help them find their voice through writing and art is HEART work!
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Specialty, Arts & Music, Vocal Music, Life Skills, Critical Thinking, Character Education, Short Stories, Poetry, Tools for Common Core, Informational Text