Former Paseo Academy School of the Arts Graduate, Poet and Author Lena Fields Arnold Named Commencement Speaker

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - July 1, 2021 - PRLog -- Noted author, poet and youth advocate Lena Fields-Arnold has been selected as the 2021 commencement speaker for the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts.

Fields-Arnold, who graduated from the public performing arts academy in 1984, will speak to graduates, staff and guests at 1:30 p.m., June 3 at Arrowhead Stadium.

She has become successful in several creative endeavors, including writing and publishing books such as "For This Child We Prayed: Living with the Secret Shame of Infertility," "Strong Black Coffee: Poetry and Prose to Enlighten, Encourage and Entertain Americans of African Descent," "In the Absence of My Father," "Scenes from the City," and "Jackie's Way" which deals with bullying and anger management.

In addition to being an award winning writer, Lena's blog, "Stuff Inside My Head" provides thoughtful and insightful commentary on current issues and events.  She has had a variety of poems and essays published in various anthologies, including "The Speaker Anthology" and "Free to Fly: Reflections on Womanhood.  She is the host of the radio program "Synergy" produced by Central State University Extension's Community and Economic Development program.

Lena also is a popular motivational speaker who enjoys encouraging audiences to excel. As a youth advocate and former substance abuse prevention specialist, Lena is dedicated to empowering young people to set goals and achieve their dreams.  Motivational topics include leadership, anger management, conflict resolution, goal setting, and the power of dreams.

Her uplifting writing and presentations encourage people to go beyond political correctness and personal feelings and strive toward a place of mutual respect and understanding. Her messages of empowerment invites people to not feel restricted or limited by their race or gender.

The Dayton, Ohio-based author, wife, and mother of three earned her master's degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Wright State University.

Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts is part of the Kansas City Public Schools system. Students are encouraged to pursue creative endeavors, from dance to graphic design to music and theatre. The school opened in 1991 on the site of the original Paseo High School. Enrollment is about 500 in grades 7-12.

For more information about Lena visit https://www.lenafieldsarnold.com/ To learn more about the Paseo Academy of Fine Arts visit paseo.kcpublicschools.org.  More Press info: contact Lesley Logan at pr@upscalepr.com.