Traveling

Poet

Empowering you to embrace life-changing adventure and wellness through poetry and travel.

Learn More

As seen on

Image of Herisa wearing a beige blazer and cream silk top. She is smiling. And has a hand on her hip.

Herisa the Traveler is the stage name for Herisa Stanislaus, MPH, a Multidisciplinary International Spoken Word Artist, Public Health Professional, & Consultant based in Boston, MA.

Herisa standing with arms crossed in front of Abu Simbel in Aswan, Egypt wearing a colorful headwrap and blue outfit.

My Unique Approach

I’m Herisa the Traveler (Herisa Stanislaus, MPH), an international spoken word artist, public health professional, and consultant with years of experience captivating audiences across Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States.

Using my Master of Public Health, I weave healing, empowerment, and education into my poetry, incorporating storytelling to inspire and connect. As a Caribbean American Black woman who has lived abroad in Spain and Italy, my work often explores identity, history, wellness, public health, self-love, and the transformative power of travel.

Read My Story

Podcast Features and Upcoming Events

Full Episode
Full Episode
Events

How can I help you?

  • Spoken Word Performances: Captivating poetry performances that bring your event’s theme to life.

  • Workshops: Interactive Mindfulness and Poetry Workshops, Health Literacy, and more.

  • Keynotes: Thought-provoking talks on creativity, health equity, and how travel and storytelling can drive social change.

Spoken Word Poet performing on various devices, including a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone. The performer is holding a microphone and wearing different outfits in each image.

International Spoken Word Artist

I’m Herisa the Traveler (Herisa Stanislaus, MPH), an international spoken word artist who believes poetry is more than art, it’s a call to action. My work weaves storytelling, education, and healing to explore identity, wellness, self-love, and the transformative power of travel.

Through my poetry, I aim to inspire, uplift and create spaces where creativity offers a path to joy and empowerment. I turn words into tools for education, wellness, and unforgettable moments. Work with me to add a unique and powerful feature to your events.

Learn More
Herisa wearing a cobalt blue suit and holding a mic while smiling.

Custom Poetry for Events

I create custom spoken word poetry that brings emotion, depth, and connection to your event.

Whether you’re planning a conference, wellness retreat, wedding or celebration, I take the time to understand your theme and craft a poem that speaks directly to your audience. My performances are written to inspire reflection, spark conversation, and leave people feeling seen.

I’ve performed for: Wellness events, nonprofit Galas, Black History Month, Juneteenth, and creative gatherings that center healing and empowerment.

Each experience includes:

  • A personalized poem written just for your event

  • A live or recorded performance option

  • A brief consultation to align on tone and theme

Let’s create a poetic moment your audience will always remember.

Request Now

Breathe, Speak, Thrive Workshop

Using Spoken Word Poetry & Mindfulness to Combat Burnout and Cultivate Joy

I created Breathe, Speak, Thrive as a space for release, renewal, and reconnection. This workshop invites participants to pause from the noise, take a deep breath, and rediscover their voice through mindfulness and spoken word poetry.

Rooted in healing and self-expression, this experience helps participants explore the power of storytelling as a tool for well-being, resilience, and joy. Together, we breathe through tension, speak our truth, and remember what it means to thrive, both individually and in community.

What to Expect:

  • Guided mindfulness and breathing practices

  • Creative writing prompts and reflection exercises

  • Spoken word poetry performance and discussion

  • Tools for emotional regulation and stress release

  • A supportive, affirming space for joy and self-expression

Perfect for:

Employee wellness programs, group sessions, universities, and organizations committed to mental well-being and equity.

Breathe deeply. Speak freely. Thrive fully.

Book this Workshop

Speaker and Workshop Facilitator 

I deliver inspiring keynotes and facilitate engaging discussions on topics such as art as activism, travel, health literacy, wellness, and creative empowerment.

Keynote Speaking & Panels: Thought-provoking talks on creativity, health equity, and how travel and storytelling drive social change.

Workshops & Masterclasses: Interactive sessions on writing, performance, and using poetry for wellness, team-building, and advocacy.

Facilitation & Training: Expert-led workshops on poetry, health literacy, and collaboration, using creativity to foster connection and impact.

In addition, through Stanislaus Creative Solutions, I offer tailored public health consulting and creative arts services, blending my expertise in health equity and community engagement with the power of art to inspire and create lasting change.

Let’s create a transformative experience for your audience!

Request Herisa to Speak
A person sitting on a yellow stone railing with arched columns, looking at a scenic view of lush green hills and a cloudy sky.

World Traveler and Writer

Follow my solo and group travel adventures as I explore the world through the lens of a Black woman.

I share stories, lessons, and practical tips from my experiences, including four incredible years living abroad in Spain and Italy.

From navigating new cultures to exploring the connection between poetry, travel and wellness, my blog is here to inspire and empower your own journeys.

Explore Blog

Passport Poetry Collection

Feeling ready to solo travel? Here’s an original poetry quote from me to encourage you on your new adventures.

Shop

PASSPORT POETRY COLLECTION

Travel boldly with poetry in hand! My exclusive passport covers and luggage tags feature my original poetry to provide inspiration on the go and encourage you on every journey. A must-have travel essential. Shop now and carry powerful affirmations on every trip.

Shop

Mass Cultural Council Creative Individual Grant Recipient

My dedication to blending Spoken Word Poetry with Public Health and Health Equity was recognized with the 2024 Mass Cultural Council Grant for Creative Individuals, which supports my mission to create spaces that inspire positive change through creativity.

Mass Cultural Council logo with text and graphic symbol

What People Are Saying

  • "Herisa took us on this very lyrical storytelling, every piece of it you felt you were part of it. She made the room become present, we were really locked in. I closed my eyes and I was listening and breathing with her. When she was done, I felt so free and relaxed. The way she incorporated breathing and visual elements felt like a poetic meditation. She actually inspired PoeTherapy. I really love her.”

    Lakisha R. Austin, LICSW, MBA, MSW | Therapist & Founder of PoeTherapy

  • "Herisa is an outstanding speaker with a unique ability to engage diverse audiences, from refugee groups to seasoned professionals. She simplifies complex ideas with clarity and empathy, creating an inclusive and impactful learning experience. Her speaking style, rooted in humility and compassion, inspires and empowers listeners, making her an exceptional communicator in any setting."

    Odilia García, MHA | Program Coordinator

  • "I loved watching her take the room by storm! Herisa captivated the audience with her powerful words and enigmatic presence. She really stole the show and I was proud to witness this moment."

    Vana Shanklin, JD | Lawyer

  • "Never have I been so entranced in a poem where I'm so centered in it, soaking in every drop that I don’t even think about grabbing my phone to record. I think you may have performed this piece on Juneteenth but idk if it was the music or if the poem was carrying you in a different way tonight, or if I was just able to see it more, but girl the gift you shared tonight felt like a whole new experience as a listener and I needed every second of that. Thank you for inspiring me."

    Muna Poet

Video Testimonials

Image of Herisa in Santorini, Greece with the background of the white buildings and the blue capped buildings. She is wearing bright yellow jumpsuit with gold belt, sunglasses and has gold olive branches at the base of her hair that is in a bun.

“Solo travel is a gift to your courage.”

- Herisa the Traveler

Work With Herisa

Interested in working with Herisa? Please fill out the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.