“Dream the dream. With that, anything is possible.”
Inspired by her mother’s death from breast cancer in 2001, Jorena set out to make her mark. Having started her career later than most she went full speed ahead, performing live in every type of venue from television appearances (Fox 41 in the Morning and The New Day Show), casino’s, and the main stages of her hometown, Louisville, to benefits and small stage acoustic shows. From the funky blues, dance. Disco, and rock, to R&B, soul, folk, and most notably her original music, Jorena has developed a unique style that creates a musical melting pot. On leads or intricate back-up harmonies, her soulful, edgy sound permeates.
In 2003, her talents as an original lyrical artist were recognized when she was awarded the highly esteemed Arts Meets Activism Award by The Kentucky Foundation for Women to assist in the creation, compilation and recording of her original material. In 2004, Jorena realized another milestone with a first place win in the Women Who Write Poetry and Short Prose Contest for her entry “Wearing Mom”. Since that time, Jorena has published more than 20 works in both poetry and prose and has illustrated a children’s book.
In 2006, she was appointed chair of the first Kentucky Women’s Book Festival, and was subsequently appointed associate director of Women Who Write. Her short story “The Closet Adventure” was chosen by Until the Violence Stops: Kentucky in 2007 to be performed as a marquee’ event during its two week festival at University of Kentucky to raise national awareness on violence against women and girls.
In January 2009, she was the recipient of eight Kentucky Press Association (KPA) awards for her writing, design and photography as an assistant editor and staff writer of a weekly Kentucky newspaper, in addition to contributing to two staff awards including a first place win in the General Excellence category of the 2008 Excellence in Kentucky Newspapers competition.
While Jorena is busy in the community supporting organizations such as The Art Sanctuary, Women Who Write, The Komen Foundation, and The Kentucky Foundation for Women, her feet are firmly planted in her musical roots, her unyielding support of local feminist artists and the Kentuckiana music scene. Jorena is currently collaborating with Jaida Blue bassist, David Hasinfelt, in anticipation of the groups first full-length CD of original material due out in Fall 2010, while continuing to focus on her writing and KFW grant work, incorporating her music, art, poetry and writing as inspiration for other women who aspire to live their dreams.
It is never too late ...