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Elizabeth Shvarts
Co-Founder/CEO of Bridge to Literacy - 2021 YoungArts Finalist
Professional Background
Elizabeth Shvarts is a multifaceted artist and advocate renowned for her dynamic storytelling and commitment to social change. Leveraging her background as a writer and performance artist, Shvarts captures the intricacies of human experience—particularly the narrative of the Russian-Jewish immigrant experience—infusing her work with humor and empathy reminiscent of classic shows like Golden Girls. As a National YoungArts Finalist in Writing and a distinguished Urban Word NYC Slam Winner, Elizabeth has showcased her artistic talents in various esteemed venues, with her writings published in high-profile publications such as The New Yorker, PBS, Hadassah Magazine, and Grist Magazine.
In addition to her impressive artistic credentials, Elizabeth is deeply dedicated to advocacy, particularly in the realms of gender and educational equity. Her impactful presence was felt when she spoke at the United Nations on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2020, a reflection of her commitment to empowerment and leadership. Through her initiatives, she has consistently demonstrated a knack for fostering community involvement and creating tangible change.
Education and Achievements
Elizabeth's academic journey laid the foundation for her diverse talents. She studied STEM during her tenure at Staten Island Tech High School, which highlights her analytical skills, and later pursued further education in Creative Writing at the University of Iowa. Her time at The City College of New York solidified her business acumen, and her exploration of Theatre Arts at Kingsborough Community College enriched her understanding of performance and narrative construction.
Throughout her career, Shvarts has received numerous accolades for her contributions to literature and performance. She was a prominent member of the 2021 NYC Teen Poetry Slam Fellowship at Urban Word NYC, which served as a springboard for her to engage with youth through the power of language. Additionally, her involvement as a co-founder of Aster Lit, an international literary journal and podcast, speaks to her passion for amplifying young voices globally. Under her leadership, Aster Lit has garnered over 50,000 impressions and has built a vibrant platform for cultural connections and creative expression.
Advocacy and Community Development
As a co-founder and co-executive director of Bridge to Literacy, a U.S. Department of State-funded nonprofit, Elizabeth is committed to promoting literacy among children from under-resourced communities. This initiative not only nurtures a love for language among more than 100 children but also empowers over 100 teen volunteers across five continents, fostering a sense of global community and shared purpose. Her dedication to social equity and educational accessibility is palpable in every endeavor she undertakes.
Shvarts’ artistic contributions extend to environmental advocacy as well, having gained recognition as a Climate Speaks finalist at The Climate Museum. Her performances, which include spoken word pieces focused on climate action, exemplify her ability to intertwine art with activism effectively. As she captivates audiences at venues such as the Apollo, she raises awareness about critical environmental issues, blending arts with advocacy seamlessly.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
In her continuing journey, Elizabeth Shvarts aims to transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling. By nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit through ventures like Mealize and her role at the Zahn Innovation Center, she shows her commitment to innovation and leadership within the arts and social sectors. With every project, from her work in literacy to her performances addressing global issues, Elizabeth aims to inspire others to harness the power of language and creativity for meaningful change. Reflecting a sense of fun, foresight, and contagious energy characteristic of Gen-Z, she eagerly embraces new challenges that lie ahead.
Elizabeth Shvarts has firmly established herself as a voice of a generation, using her talents not only to entertain but to educate, empower, and advocate for those who may otherwise be unheard. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting diverse narratives and advocating for social equity is sure to leave a lasting impact in the worlds of art and advocacy.
Achievements
- National YoungArts Finalist in Writing: Recognized for excellence in the field of writing at a national level.
- Urban Word NYC Slam Winner: Acknowledged as a leading voice in teen poetry on a prestigious platform.
- Speaker at United Nations: Contributed to global dialogue on women and girls in STEM.
- Co-founder of Aster Lit: Launched a successful international literary journal and podcast empowering young voices.
- Co-founder of Bridge to Literacy: Developed a nonprofit focused on improving literacy and fostering community engagement.
- Climate Speaks Finalist: Earned recognition for her spoken word contribution to climate advocacy.
