Ashley Cornelius, poet
Ashley Cornelius is an award-winning spoken word poet and community leader whose work amplifies identity, social change, and joy. As the first Black Poet Laureate of the Pikes Peak Region and an LPC, she reimagines poetry as a tool for healing, activism, and collective liberation. Ashley loves the stage and believes poetry becomes transformative in the performance. Ashley’s work has been featured in galleries, conferences, documentaries, and special events statewide, nationally, and internationally. Ashley is the author of "Translations of the Soul", her debut poetry collection covering 8 years of poetry. A two-time TEDx speaker, she has opened for former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, performed for Juneteenth activist Opal Lee, and was commissioned for a James Turrell Skyspace installation. Beyond the stage, Ashley collaborates with businesses, nonprofits, and organizations to integrate poetry in innovative ways through keynotes, training, and workshops. Ashley is active in the Colorado Springs Community; she is the creator of Destination Rest, The Pikes Peak Poetry Summit, The Joy Line, and many other poetry initiatives. Ashley is the Co-Director of Poetry719, a grassroots Black-led poetry group in Colorado Springs, lifting the voices of marginalized communities through art and poetry events. Ashley creates spaces where words become bridges, inviting connection, liberation, and joy. Connect with and book Ashley at