Maureen McDole

Maureen McDole was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is a direct descendant of carnies, carpenters and fishermen. This do-it-yourself ethos in her DNA infuses every area of her life. As far back as she can remember she loved to write. 

She is the author of four books of poems, Exploring My Options (2006), Longing for the Deep End (2011), Feast (2021) and Mending the Nets (coming in 2026).

She has an English B.A., with Literary Studies Concentration from University of South Florida and a Certificate in Arts & Culture Strategy from University of Pennsylvania. In 2011 she received a Certificate from National Speakers Association’s Speaker Academy and in 2024 she received a Certificate in Systems View of Life from the Capra Course.  

Her poetry has been set in a variety of different ways including: film, dance, spoken word, art installations, Sprechstimme, and traditional vocal works.

Maureen has been leading workshops and speaking about creativity and leadership for over 20 years. In 2013 she founded the literary arts organization, Keep St. Pete Lit, because she believes wholeheartedly in the power of literature to change the world.

She is currently the artist-in-residence at GISJane, working in the fields of water restoration, climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, and community resiliency. 

She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.