Nneka J. Howell (Lady Poet) was born on May 17, 1990 on the south side of Chicago, IL. With passionate experience in writing short stories, music lyrics, and poetry for over fifteen years, she has become one of the most influential poets of her generation. Nneka is currently a Graduate student at Governors State University in Business & Public Administration. In May of 2012, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois with distinction and honors in the department of Communication. She is also the author of "A Poet’s Heart" and "Real Women Get Their Hands Dirty". To her, writing is more than just ink on paper. She refers to writing as a personal reminder that every idea can become an action and every action is an opportunity.  In Ms. Howell's Own Words: "Through the depths of my soul and the dignity embedded in my spine, I see a reflection as I stare in the mirror each day. I do not want to be the pebble that society looks down on due to being a minority. I refuse to be another statistic on the verge of falling into the world’s “perception” of me. I am stronger than those statistics and I deserve more than just a definition. As I have gained the courage to become a firm leader within my communities, I have learned a great deal about myself in the process. Being a leader is more than understanding. It is about taking the time to give a part of yourself with faith that positivity will stem from it. I have been involved with various volunteer opportunities including humane societies, the multiple sclerosis society, nursing homes, food drives, and books for prisoners.

PUBLISHED AUTHOR
BACHELOR OF ARTS in COMMUNICATION @ UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
NSLC (NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE)
DEANS LIST HONOR ROLL
XAE ZETA BETA CHI ALPHA EPSILON NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
JOSHUA L. GRAFTON SCHOLAR
STUDENT 100 HONORARY: TOP 2% OF GRADUATING CLASS
FOUNDER OF GENUINE LADIEZ MOVEMENT SERVICE ORGANIZATION