Award-winning wordsmith RheaSunshine is a force that weaves passion, purpose, and power into poetry. She is the creator and Executive Director of the 5th Woman Cohort, which explores the stories of women. Regardless of race, women share the same experiences, fears, joys and more and the 5th Woman allows them to examine these moments without social and political barriers. 

For twenty years, RheaSunshine has traveled the nation, sharing her gift of the spoken word and facilitating self-expression, liberation, and healing. This art form has led her to touch lives at universities and educational institutions as well as civic engagements and festivals. She has opened for such artists as Nikki Giovanni, Macy Gray, and Saul Williams and the world constantly expands to make room for her gift.  Her upcoming fourth book release titled Through the Clouds explores her battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Recently named the Poet Laureate of Knoxville, RheaSunshine strives to touch hearts and inspire people to scribe their own stories. She has authored four chapbooks and has recorded three audio CDs.