The Rhode Island Center for the Book, in partnership with Rhode Island Poet Laureate Tina Cane, is delighted to announce Robin Linden as the 2025 Rhode Island Youth Poetry Ambassador and Julia Yakirevich as the 2025 Deputy Youth Poetry Ambassador. Both are juniors at Wheeler School.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Robin Linden as our state’s new Youth Poetry Ambassador and Julia Yakirevich as Deputy Ambassador,” stated Tina Cane. “These extraordinary young writers will be an asset and inspiration to the Rhode Island literary community. I look forward to promoting poetry with them and witnessing their growth as poets and public advocates for the arts.”
Robin Linden expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m so honored and excited to be Rhode Island’s Youth Poetry Ambassador! Poetry has always been how I make sense of the world—how I hold onto memories, explore emotions, and connect with others. I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to share that. I’m thrilled to show the Rhode Island community that poetry isn’t just something personal, but something that can be shared and celebrated. I hope to use this role to help other young writers find that same sense of connection and possibility in poetry.”
As Deputy Youth Poetry Ambassador, Julia Yakirevich will collaborate with Robin and assume her duties when necessary. “I’m overjoyed to step into the role of Deputy Youth Poetry Ambassador and join a spirited community of fellow writers and creatives!” Julia said. “Poetry has been an invaluable outlet for exploring tensions—cultural, interpersonal, and emotional—while also serving as a bridge to connect people, ideas, and worlds. I’m eager to witness and play a part in harnessing the power of language as a vehicle for growth, understanding, and ultimately spreading joy amongst RI youth and community members.”
The selection process also recognized the exceptional talent of the following finalists: Kyla Alberg, Joelle Beaudreault, Marion Cook, Josselyn Wolf, and Daisy Zhang. Honorable mentions were awarded to Ashly Barrientos, Leo Blachly-Preston, Lina Durfee, Gunnar Eggertsson, Sam Licht, and Janie Palan.
A launch and reading celebration will be held at the State House Library on Friday, March 7th at 5:30 PM. The event will feature readings and remarks from the new ambassadors, finalists, outgoing ambassadors, and other arts community advocates. The public is invited to attend and celebrate the vibrant youth poetry scene in Rhode Island.
Past Youth Poetry Ambassadors
2025 Youth Poetry Ambassador Robin Linden
2024 Youth Poetry Ambassador Seoyon Kim
2023 Youth Poetry Ambassador Natasha Connolly
2022 Youth Poetry Ambassadors Lourdes Nicolella and Adi Gamache
2020/21 Youth Poetry Ambassador Halima Ibrahim
2019 Youth Poetry Ambassador Catherine Sawoski
2018 Youth Poetry Ambassador Moira Flath