Carliss Maddox is an accomplished author, poet, educator, playwright, and entrepreneur. She is a native of Georgia and has lived in Maryland for the past thirteen years. She has published two children's books, Firstgarten, and #thebuildup:12 Daily Affirmations for Young Boys of Color, as well as a collection of poetry entitled R.A.U.W. (Real and Unadulterated Words of Poetry). One of her poems, Face the Mirror, was featured in the book, Writing for My Sanity by Melony Hill. Additionally, Carliss is also the owner of Carli and Company, a business dedicated to shifting mindsets and changing narratives by providing uplifting and empowering books, writings, and apparel for adults and children. Carliss holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration (cum laude) and a Master of Arts degree in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood. She received her educational leadership training in Educational Administration and Supervision from Morgan State University. As part of the AFT/BTU Teacher Leaders Program, a select group of 15 teacher leaders within Baltimore City Public Schools, she developed and presented a proposal for a parent and family engagement program called P.I.L.L.A.R.S. Her academic recognitions include Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education and a Trailblazer Award. During her distinguished teaching career, she has been nominated twice for Teacher of the Year in Baltimore City Public Schools. Carliss is a multi-faceted educator with a wide range of responsibilities. Along with her role as an Early Literacy Coach, she has also served as an early childhood teacher, a curriculum writer for the Gifted and Talented Program, and an after-school tutor. In addition, she served as an Instructional Coach for a grant-funded project with the University of Maryland Language Science Center. Carliss is very passionate about being involved in the community. She is currently serving as the President of the Greater Baltimore Urban League Guild. She is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, The National Association for the Education of Young Children, American Federation of Teachers, Baltimore County C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and the NAACP. Furthermore, she was awarded the Commander's Award for Civilian Service by the Department of the Army for her commitment to community service. As part of the Greater Baltimore Urban League, she organized the Maarifa Multicultural Youth Book Fair, which won third place in the Community Service Award category for the Eastern Region at the National Urban League Convention Conference in 2022. In her free time, Carliss enjoys researching African-American history and tracing her family roots. She has a wide range of interests, including art, theater, food, culture, music, and a good laugh. She is currently working on a children's book about civil rights and a narrative poem about black women throughout history.