We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victora Calhoun. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victora below.

Victora, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did a lot of things right, but what stands out the most is that they always gave me the space to be fully myself. I grew up in a household where you might expect things to be very rigid; My dad was a Marine, and my mom is the definition of a Southern belle. But instead of creating a strict, rule-heavy environment, they balanced each other in a way that gave me both structure and freedom.

One of the biggest things they did right was not forcing me into a box. Even though my dad came from a disciplined, military background, he never imposed harsh rules or made me feel like I had to follow a specific path. And while my mom carries strong traditional values, she never pushed religion on me or made it something I had to conform to. Instead, they allowed me to explore, question, and form my own beliefs and identity.

I remember growing up and realizing that I had a level of freedom that a lot of my peers didn’t. There wasn’t this constant pressure to be perfect or to fit a mold; I was trusted to make decisions, learn from my experiences, and grow into who I was naturally becoming. That trust made me more self-aware and independent at a young age.

That freedom has had a huge impact on both my life and my career. It’s allowed me to move through the world with confidence in who I am, without feeling like I need to perform or meet someone else’s expectations. In my career, especially in education, that shows up in how I interact with others; I value individuality, and I try to create spaces where people feel seen and accepted, just like my parents did for me.

Overall, my parents taught me that guidance doesn’t have to come with control. By letting me be myself, they gave me the foundation to grow into someone who is secure, open-minded, and unafraid to carve out my own path.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I’m an educator, poet, and creative who is deeply rooted in language, storytelling, and community service. I currently teach middle school ELA, and my journey into this work is really a blend of my academic background and my natural calling. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology & Human Srvcs and my Master’s in English & Creative Writing, which gave me both the understanding of how people think and the tools to help them express themselves. For me, teaching isn’t just about academics; it’s about helping people find their voice and feel seen.

I didn’t step into this field by accident. I’ve always been drawn to spaces where I could support others, especially young people navigating their identities and emotions. Education, particularly English Language Arts, felt like the perfect intersection of that. It allows me to teach critical thinking, communication, and self-expression all at once.

Beyond the classroom, I’m also a creative. I write & perform poetry, I curate experiences, and I build spaces for expression whether that’s through poetry events or community-centered projects. Everything I create is rooted in authenticity and connection. I’m passionate about giving people a platform to share their stories because I know how powerful it is to feel heard.

The “service” I provide, whether in education or in creative spaces, is helping people make sense of themselves and communicate that to the world. For my students, that might look like building confidence in reading and writing, or helping them process their emotions through journaling and discussion. For creatives and collaborators, it looks like creating environments where they can show up fully and unapologetically.

What sets me apart is that I lead with both empathy and intention. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches whether it’s teaching, creating, or leading. I take the time to understand people, meet them where they are, and help them grow from there. My background in psychology plays a big role in that, as does my belief that relationships are the foundation of any meaningful work.

What I’m most proud of is becoming a first-generation college graduate and earning my Master’s degree. That accomplishment represents more than just academics; it reflects resilience, discipline, and breaking generational barriers. It’s something that continues to ground me in my “why,” especially when I’m working with students who may be navigating similar paths and need to see what’s possible.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s that everything I do is intentional and people-centered. I care about creating real impact, not just checking boxes. I want my students, my audience, and anyone I work with to feel empowered, understood, and inspired to grow into who they are meant to be.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create spaces where people feel safe enough to tell their truth and heal out loud. Through Hood Healing Poetry, I use spoken word, storytelling, and community events to transform pain into purpose, encourage self-expression, and remind people that their experiences matter. My goal is to build a movement that inspires healing, connection, and empowerment especially for those whose voices are often unheard. I am healing the hood one poem at a time. That is my mission statement.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I would say the most rewarding part is watching people connect with something I’ve created. Whether it’s a poem, an open mic, or a community event, there’s nothing like seeing someone find the courage to speak their truth because they felt safe in the space we built. Those moments remind me that art is more than expression; It is about healing, connection, and helping people feel seen. I love when my art resonates with people. It makes me feel like I have a purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/hoodhealingpoetry
• Instagram: @hoodhealingpoetry@gmail.com
• Youtube: @hoodhealingpoetry