Michelle Ortega is a speech language pathologist, poet and writer. Her latest chapbook, When You Ask Me, “Why Paris” (Finishing Line Press) was released in July 2025. She currently serves on the Board of Directors and is a teaching artist for Arts by the People, where she develops and facilitates workshops, as well as the annual Ekphrastic Residency. Read more of her work, published widely online and in print, at www.michelleortegawrites.com and find her on IG @michellebelleslp.