Part-time university instructor, Turiya teaches courses through both the Women's Studies and Black Studies Departments at Portland State University. Working regularly with artist residency programs, schools, community centers and non-profits, she has provided workshops and performances to students and audiences of all ages throughout Oregon awe well as nationally and internationally. Bringing poetry and the art of life itself beyond the boundaries of mere pages to reach heart and minds is the thread that weaves her many roles together. Turiya competed in the 200-2003 National Slam Poetry competitions claiming "Grand Slam Poetry Champ" title at the 2003 event. The summer of 2004 marked her international debut when she participated and presented in Rwanda as part of the" Mobilizing Youth for Africa" Conference and gave a featured performance at the "under the Volcano Festival" in Vancouver, British Columbia. A firm believer in the power of art to heal, transform and inspire, Turiya uses her creativity and voice as a tool of resistance and awareness.
Department of Black Studies and
Department of Women's Studies
318 Neuberger Hall
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207
Phone (503)725-3516
Fax (503)725-5805
triya@pdx.edu |
