Writer, Educator, and
Advocate for Youth
Creativity
Since 2015, she has served as the Director of the Iowa Youth Writing Project, where she leads programs that bring free, high-quality writing opportunities to young people across Iowa. Mallory graduated from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop (MFA in Fiction) and Harvard University (BA in English and American Literature) and has taught creative writing at the University of Iowa, the Duke University Talent Identification Program, and in schools, shelters, and community centers throughout the Midwest.
Her nonfiction has appeared in publications such as Tuesday Magazine and Forbes. In recognition of her leadership and community engagement, she received the Bravo Award from the Coralville Chamber of Commerce in 2015. In 2024, she co-founded the Experiential Education Collaborative, an organization devoted to promoting student-centered learning and hands-on creativity in schools and other educational spaces.
ABOUT MALLORY HELLMAN
Mallory Hellman (she/her) is a writer, educator, and advocate for creative access and youth empowerment.
Mallory Hellman (she/her) is a writer, educator, and advocate for creative access and youth empowerment. Born in New Orleans and raised in South Florida, she is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and was raised to see education as a powerful tool for justice. As a teenager, she volunteered at a child development center, worked as a camp counselor, and trained in American Kenpo, earning her first-degree black belt at seventeen.
Mallory studied English and American Literature at Harvard, where she focused on creative writing and quickly became active in both the literary and civic communities. She co-founded Tuesday Magazine, a campus arts and letters publication, and served as editor-in-chief for two years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Mallory Hellman?
Mallory Hellman is an educator, writer, and community advocate dedicated to expanding access to creative expression. She leads initiatives that empower young people to find their voices and explore the transformative power of storytelling.
- What does Mallory Hellman do?
She serves as a leader, mentor, and facilitator in programs that nurture creativity, literacy, and confidence in students. Through her work with educational and community-based organizations, Mallory creates opportunities for people of all ages to engage with writing as a tool for growth and connection.
- What is the Iowa Youth Writing Project (IYWP)?
The Iowa Youth Writing Project is a nonprofit organization that provides free writing and creative learning opportunities to K–12 students across Iowa. As its director, Mallory Hellman helps design and oversee programs that provide young people with opportunities to explore language, self-expression, and community building.
- What inspires Mallory Hellman’s work?
Mallory is inspired by the belief that storytelling is a human right. She is driven by the joy of seeing young writers discover their unique voices, and by the communities that come together around shared creativity.
- Is Mallory Hellman available for speaking engagements or workshops?
Yes. Mallory is available for speaking engagements and workshops on topics such as creative education, youth empowerment, community advocacy, and experiential learning. She can be contacted at mhellmanwrites@gmail.com for inquiries.
- How can I get involved with Mallory Hellman’s initiatives or support her work?
You can support by volunteering with the Iowa Youth Writing Project, attending events, or contributing resources to sustain creative programming. Mallory also welcomes partnerships with educators, schools, and community organizations.
- What drives Mallory Hellman’s work as an educator and advocate?
Her work is rooted in the conviction that every individual deserves creative access: the ability to tell their stories, imagine new possibilities, and feel empowered through words.
- Why has Mallory Hellman chosen to build her work in Iowa?
Iowa City stole Mallory’s heart in the summer of 2010, when she enrolled in a class at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop with beloved author and educator James Alan McPherson. Initially drawn to Iowa City for its top-tier literary institutions, Mallory stayed in the area because of its collective commitment to community. In Iowa City, Mallory sees a place where grassroots initiatives pave the way to tangible change.
- What does “creative access” mean to Mallory Hellman, and why does it matter?
Creative access means that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the tools and encouragement to express themselves. Mallory views it as essential for both individual empowerment and Collaborative progress.
- What is the Experiential Education Collaborative?
The Experiential Education Collaborative is an initiative dedicated to reimagining how learning takes place. As a co-founding member, Mallory Hellman contributes to building a space where education extends beyond traditional classrooms. The Collaborative emphasizes hands-on exploration, collaboration, and creativity, ensuring that students connect what they learn to real-world experiences. Its mission is to make education more engaging, relevant, and transformative for learners of all backgrounds.