.png)
Meet the Team
Who We Are
Shannon Murphy
Founder & Executive Director
Shannon Murphy, BSEd, MA has been teaching secondary and collegiate level English Writing Composition courses for the last decade. She has dedicated herself to the edification of young adults, and is driven to uplift the voices of young WOC through the art of creative writing. She is responsible for creative management, designing and cultivating the content of the program and allocating resources to manage the program efficiently.
Contact Me
Sabrina Yvellez
Executive Assistant &
Fundraising Support
Sabrina is a graduate from Hamilton College where she majored in Theater and minored in Education Studies and Creative Writing. She has interned in NYC with Waterwell Theater on their Education team and with Rattlestick Theater on their Administrative and Production team. She is a writer at heart, and is looking forward to building her playwriting portfolio in the upcoming years. As a Latine artist, Sabrina sincerely believes in the power of storytelling and the impact of intentional community building. When not working, you can find Sabrina baking, birding, or collaging.
Contact Me
Jamie Bland, MSW
Mental Health Specialist
Jamie has worked with black and brown youth for over a decade. She is an expert in both group facilitating and individual counseling, prioritizing her client’s mental health. Her philosophy for guided healing includes using creative tools, such as writing, to help participants overcome trauma and insecurity. She assists in program development to ensure all initiatives uplift our community.
Contact Me
Jayla Dennis
Project Coordinator, H.E.R. Society @ UNCC
Jayla participated in our first H.E.R. cohort, and upon graduating, transferred to our team. Previously she presented a poem in memory of Trayvon Martin at the United Strings of Color Vigil on Juneteenth 2021. When she's not working with WFF, she serves as an editor of a college literary magazine and is a full time student at UNC Charlotte, studying Psychology in hopes of serving the mental health needs of the BIPOC community.
Contact Me
Monisha "Mo" Pirela
Intern, H.E.R. Society
Mo is a passionate advocate for creative expression and equity in the arts. As the founder of Solidarity & Co., a virtual assistant business that serves nonprofits and creatives, Mo brings valuable experience in digital engagement, event coordination, and public relations. Her skills allow her to forge meaningful connections on behalf of Writing for Freedom, helping expand its reach and impact.