About

Alessandra Gonzalez is a Cuban American poet and educator whose work explores family, memory, cultural identity, and belonging. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, she earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Poetry), where she taught undergraduate creative writing courses and developed her first book-length poetry manuscript, Entre Dos Mundos.

Currently, Alessandra teaches English to students in grades 9–12 at Sunrise Academy in Central Florida, as well as English Composition to students at Valencia College. As both a writer and educator, she is passionate about fostering creativity, critical thinking, and confidence through language. Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that storytelling can empower individuals to better understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

A proud alumna of Florida International University, Alessandra earned her Bachelor's degree in English Writing and Rhetoric, where she first began cultivating her poetic voice and discovered her passion for teaching. Her poetry blends lyrical language with vivid imagery, often drawing from her experiences as the daughter of Cuban American immigrants. Through intimate narratives and reflections on heritage, place, and intergenerational memory, her work seeks to preserve stories that might otherwise be lost to time.

Alessandra recently completed Entre Dos Mundos ("Between Two Worlds"), a full-length poetry collection that examines diaspora, family history, and the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities. She is currently seeking publication for the manuscript while continuing to write new work.

Her poetry has appeared in numerous literary journals and publications, including The Portland Review, The Acentos Review, Saw Palm, Meniscus, and Latin@ Literatures. She has also served as a submissions reviewer for The Florida Review, engaging closely with contemporary literature and emerging voices.

Outside of writing and teaching, Alessandra remains committed to community engagement, literacy advocacy, and educational outreach. She is the founder of Young Voices Club, a literacy initiative designed to encourage creativity and self-expression among young writers.

Alessandra settled in Central Florida, and she will marry the most wonderful man in the world this Winter. Together, they are building a life rooted in love, family, and a shared commitment to service. Through every role she undertakes, Alessandra is guided by a deep belief in the power of words to build bridges between people, generations, and communities.