Shelly Washington is a true renaissance woman – able to excel simultaneously in art, education, and business. Most know her as Shelly Says So, the spoken word poet who inspires audiences across the country with healthy helpings of feminine sass, curvy confidence, and thought-provoking audacity. At home in Baltimore, she hosts BE FREE Fridays, the city’s longest-running monthly open mic series. She earned the title of ‘Poet of the Year’ at the 2013 Baltimore Crown Awards, after the release of her spoken word album, That’s What Shelly Said. She has toured nationally with The Punany Poets, The Sweet Spot, and the Come On Son! poetry collective.