The Write Around Portland team has a new staff member that you may have met at the recent Summer Reading & Book Release. Tia-Theo Thompson (they/she/he) is our new Program and Events Coordinator, and their dedication to creating spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and valued makes them a great fit for our team!
What inspired you to join Write Around Portland?
I started volunteering in 2024 as a way to stay connected with the local writing community after graduating from Portland State. I looked into a lot of other literary nonprofits and felt that the mission of Write Around Portland spoke to me best. I was impressed with the number of opportunities offered here: writing facilitator training, leading writing groups and circles, helping with anthology production, setting up events,
and more.
I never thought I’d find a job that was half event planning and half coordinating writing programs! I’m so appreciative that I get to do two of my favorite things: throwing celebrations and sharing the joy of writing.
What experiences have shaped who you are today?
I’ve lived in some pretty small and rural areas (Green, Roseburg, Klamath Falls), so making the move to Portland in 2018 was a huge moment for me. There’s so much to do here! I’ve been involved with a bunch of groups both inside and outside of university. Currently, I’m on the Multnomah County Library Advisory Board (LAB) and Multnomah County Community Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC). Previously, I’ve been part of a Queer Resource Center Advisory Board, an English Department BIPOC Affinity Group, and the PSU MFA Filament Reading Series.
I’ve also had some amazing mentors in my life. Unsurprisingly, they are all writing instructors.
Someone who helped me understand my potential was my first writing workshop instructor, Gabriel Urza. He saw my strengths and helped me realize how capable I was and how much more confident I could be. Not just in writing, but in life.
I also have a lot of gratitude for Janice Lee. There were a few years of my life that were really tough and I don’t even know where I’d be without her support. Writing with Janice was the first time I was encouraged to write to heal, to connect, and to grieve. Her lessons have made me a more empathetic and resilient person. I want to share this power.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have too many hobbies! No really! It’s a problem!!
I enjoy the creating and learning phases of crafting more than the end result which means that I’ll try any sort of one-off class or craft series at least once. Glassblowing, pottery, calligraphy, beading, knitting, crochet, wood carving, etc. You name it…
My partner and I are HUGE geeks so if there’s a comic or anime convention nearby you can probably find me there. Don’t expect to recognize me, though. I’ll be in costume (maybe even the one I won a cosplay contest in).
Another thing you might catch me doing is flocking with the waterfowl at the park. I love geese. That’s just a fact.