Natalie Cook is a writer, performance artist, and community organizer. She is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she obtained degrees in both English (Creative Writing) and Afro-American Studies. Natalie is also an alum of the First Wave Urban Arts program – the only collegiate, hip-hop theatre ensemble and learning community of its kind in the country.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Natalie began showcasing her gift for poetry at a very young age. And because poetry had such a positive impact on her life, she began laying the groundwork for Atlanta Word Works (501c3) when only sixteen in hopes that young people would find ways to express themselves through creative writing & spoken word poetry, just as she had. She currently serves as both the Executive Director and Artistic Director.
Natalie's most recent project, "MANIKIN," is an interdisciplinary production that explores gender relations between Black men and Black women living in modern day America.