Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros is an internationally acclaimed poet, novelist, and essayist known for her exploration of the lives of working-class people. She has held various professional positions and has received numerous awards and fellowships.

Novelist

December 20, 1954

70

Sandra Cisneros, a celebrated Mexican-American author, poet, and essayist, is widely recognized for her contributions to literature, particularly her poetry and fiction. She has earned various accolades, such as the Lannan Literary Award, the American Book Award, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the MacArthur Foundation. Cisneros’ most well-known work, “The House on Mango Street,” is a coming-of-age novel that delves into themes of race, class, and gender from the viewpoint of a young Latina girl. Other significant works include “Woman Hollering Creek” and “Caramelo.”

In addition to her literary achievements, Cisneros has held diverse professional roles, including teaching, counseling, college recruiting, serving as a poet-in-the-schools, and working in arts administration. She is deeply committed to community and literary causes, as evidenced by her founding of the Macondo Foundation, which supports Latina/o writers.