Angelica Mercado Ford
Keynote Speaker & Author of Todo Revoluciona
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Angelica Mercado-Ford has received national recognition for her art, poetry, and work as a community advocate. Focusing on stories of womanhood, migration, cultural awareness, and belonging, Mercado-Ford’s work has appeared in Cream City Review, Acentos Review, Roanoke Review, Glass Poetry Press, among others. She is the author of a poetry collection, TODO REVOLUCIONA. Her words highlighting the sacrifices of the working class has earned her the title of “Poet Laureate of the People.” Angelica’s advocacy has brought to light local issues that have gained the attention of national media organizations such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, Buzzfeed, among others. Professionally, she dedicates her time to her positions as educator and head debate coach where she focuses on equity while uplifting the voices of her students.
Mercado-Ford is a Waterers Future Building Fellow. She currently resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.