Jessica is a visual artist and poet, social worker turned techie, and science nerd fascinated by space and planetary science. Through art she explores both the human condition and/or the natural world, depending on the day. She holds a Master of Science in social work from Columbia University. A Nuyorican/Iranian-American who lived most of her life in the New York City area, Jessica now lives in Los Angeles (and loves it). In her social work days, she was asked to write a book, "Lupus: 365 Tips for Living Well," which was released in November 2015. In addition to the arts and sciences, she does her best to contribute to intersectional social justice activism for both humans and non-humans.
Mercy, ingenuity, nuance, complex truths, guts and honor still matter! Join us in proclaiming so by purchasing, or giving the gift of, The New Engagement in print.
"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive."
~ James Baldwin
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Flash Fiction Contest
On May 1st, we announced the winners of our Flash Fiction Contest: Thomas Garcia (1st), Rick Krizman (2nd), and Rios de la Luz (3rd). Read more.
The James Baldwin Literature Prize
It is with great pleasure that we announce the winner of The James Baldwin Literature Prize of $1,000 to Hafsa Musa. Read more.
The New Engagement endeavors a novel approach to discovering, introducing, and showcasing writers, artists, and filmmakers, by providing them digital and print platforms, while encouraging and supporting their social-consciousness.