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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.
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Kara Lynch
Program Director
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in English from North Carolina State University, Kara understands the
power of storytelling. Having reclaimed her own voice as the author of Girl Surrender: A 4-Week
Devotional for Women With Mental Health Challenges, she is passionate about empowering
girls and young women of color to do the same. Through her work with Writing For Freedom,
Kara is committed to creating safe and affirming spaces where they can build confidence,
embrace their stories, and rise as the next generation of bold storytellers, leaders, and
changemakers of tomorrow by being seen, heard and supported today.
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Sabrina Yvellez
Executive Assistant &
Development Coordinator
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.
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Jayla Dennis
Program Coordinator, H.E.R. Society
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.
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Monisha "Mo" Pirela
Program Coordinator, H.E.R. Society
Mo is a passionate advocate for creative expression and equity in the arts. Starting as a summer intern, Mo now serves as Program Coordinator and 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.