Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Amanda Gorman

Discover the career path of Amanda Gorman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Amanda Gorman is an American poet, activist, and model known for addressing themes of oppression, feminism, race, and the African diaspora in her work. She was the first National Youth Poet Laureate and gained widespread recognition in 2021 for her poem "The Hill We Climb," which she recited at President Joe Biden's inauguration. The poem's powerful message resonated globally, leading to best-selling status for her books and a professional management contract. Gorman's work has solidified her position as a prominent voice in contemporary literature and social commentary.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Inspired to become a youth delegate for the UN

In 2013, Amanda Gorman was inspired to become a youth delegate for the United Nations after watching a speech by Malala Yousafzai.

2014: Chosen as the first youth poet laureate of Los Angeles

In 2014, Amanda Gorman was chosen as the first youth poet laureate of Los Angeles. It was also reported in 2014 that Gorman was editing the first draft of a novel she had been writing for two years.

2015: Published "The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough"

In 2015, Amanda Gorman published her poetry book "The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough".

2016: Founded One Pen One Page

In 2016, Amanda Gorman founded the nonprofit organization One Pen One Page, a youth writing and leadership program.

April 2017: Named National Youth Poet Laureate

In April 2017, while at Harvard, Amanda Gorman became the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She also won a $10,000 grant from OZY in the annual OZY Genius Awards.

September 2017: Opened literary season for the Library of Congress

In September 2017, Amanda Gorman became the first youth poet to open the literary season for the Library of Congress and read her poetry on MTV. She wrote "In This Place: An American Lyric" for her performance at the Library of Congress.

2017: Featured on XQ Institute's Book of the Month

In 2017, Amanda Gorman became the first author to be featured on XQ Institute's Book of the Month. She also wrote a tribute for black athletes for Nike and signed a book deal with Viking Children's Books for two children's picture books.

2017: Intention to run for President in 2036

In 2017, Amanda Gorman said she intends to run for president in 2036, and she has subsequently often repeated this hope.

2018: Named one of Glamour magazine's "College Women of the Year"

In 2018, Amanda Gorman was selected as one of Glamour magazine's "College Women of the Year", and expressed her desire to inspire people through politics.

2019: Named one of The Root magazine's "Young Futurists"

In 2019, Amanda Gorman was chosen as one of The Root magazine's "Young Futurists". She also expressed support for abortion rights and Roe v. Wade in a NowThis News video.

May 2020: Appeared on Some Good News

In May 2020, Amanda Gorman appeared in an episode of the web series Some Good News hosted by John Krasinski, where she met Oprah Winfrey and gave a virtual commencement speech.

2020: Graduated cum laude from Harvard

In 2020, Amanda Gorman graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in sociology, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

January 6, 2021: Amended poem after storming of the Capitol

After the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, Amanda Gorman amended her poem's wording to address the event.

January 20, 2021: Read poem at Biden's inauguration

On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman read her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of Joe Biden, becoming the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration in United States history.

February 7, 2021: Recited poem at Super Bowl LV

On February 7, 2021, Amanda Gorman recited an original poem at Super Bowl LV's pregame ceremony, honoring essential workers James Martin, Trimaine Davis, and Suzie Dorner. The poem was titled "Chorus of the Captains".

February 2021: Time magazine cover

In February 2021, Amanda Gorman made the cover of Time magazine.

March 2021: Published "The Hill We Climb" as a book

In March 2021, the book version of Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb" was published, featuring a foreword by Oprah Winfrey. It debuted at No. 1 on several bestseller lists.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country

Check it on Amazon

September 13, 2021: Co-hosted the Met Gala

On September 13, 2021, Amanda Gorman co-hosted the Met Gala with Timothée Chalamet, Billie Eilish, and Naomi Osaka.

September 2021: Became Estée Lauder "Global Changemaker"

In September 2021, Amanda Gorman became the first Estée Lauder "Global Changemaker", representing the brand in ad campaigns and working with their grantmaking program for girls' and women's literacy.

September 2021: Upcoming books hit bestseller lists

In September 2021, shortly after Gorman's performance at the inauguration, her two upcoming books, "The Hill We Climb" and "Change Sings: A Children's Anthem", both scheduled for release in September 2021, topped Amazon's bestseller list.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country

Check it on Amazon

December 2021: Released "Call Us What We Carry"

In December 2021, Amanda Gorman released her poetry collection, "Call Us What We Carry", published by Viking Books. The collection received critical acclaim.

Call Us What We Carry: Poems

Check it on Amazon

2021: Rose to fame after writing and delivering "The Hill We Climb" at Biden's inauguration

In 2021, Amanda Gorman rose to fame after writing and delivering her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of Joe Biden. Following this, two of her books became bestsellers, and she signed a professional management contract.

May 2022: Published poem on Robb Elementary School shooting

In May 2022, Amanda Gorman published a short poem on Twitter about the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and encouraged action on gun safety. She also penned the poem "Hymn for the Hurting".