Keynote

Keynote Presenter: Joe Hernández-Kolski

A two-time HBO Def Poet and Emmy Award-Winner, Joe Hernández-Kolski is an actor/poet/comedian who is constantly in demand, known for his live performances that are hard-hitting, truthful and incredibly funny. He has performed at over one hundred high schools, colleges and universities around the country. His blend of comedy, social commentary and personal stories attracts fans from all different backgrounds.

Originally from Chicago, Joe now lives in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of Princeton University. As an actor, Joe stays balanced between film, television and stage. Joe writes a lot of his own material, from award-winning short films to numerous solo shows. Joe’s first solo hip-hop theater piece, You Wanna Piece of Me? was published by the University of Michigan press in a hip-hop theater anthology, Say Word: Voices from Hip Hop Theater.

As Joe says, “My goal is to always help students find their own voice and be their best version of their self.” To watch his college demo reel, click here.

As a teacher, Joe continues to work with several organizations throughout Los Angeles teaching Hip-Hop Culture and Spoken Word Workshops. He co-created Downbeat 720, an open-mic for high school youth sponsored by the City of Santa Monica. For over twenty-four years, they have created a safe and supportive space for high school performers. The televised version, Downbeat Showdown, that Joe hosted and produced, received the LA Emmy for “Outstanding Youth Programming.”

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