Rhea Carmon, also known as RheaSunshine, is a dynamic poet, educator, and activist weaving passion, purpose, and power into her craft. A Poet Laureate Emerita of Knoxville, TN (2020–2023) and an inductee of the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame, she has authored five chapbooks, a children’s book of affirmations and recorded three audio CDs. For over 25 years, Rhea has traveled nationally, using poetry as a tool for healing, self-expression, and liberation. As Executive Director of The 5th Woman Poetry Collective, she uplifts underrepresented voices and inspires audiences to engage in activism and storytelling. A motivational speaker and Ph.D. candidate in children’s and young adult literature, Rhea bridges STEM and storytelling, exploring innovative ways to connect learning and creativity. A devoted teacher, wife, and mother, she encourages others to share their truths and scribe their own narratives, striving to radicalize hearts and communities through the transformative power of poetry.