“T Kira’s class allowed for everyone, regardless of genre or writing experience, to experiment and share. The community and structure T Kira creates from day one made the space welcoming and productive. I believe this form of facilitation encouraged thoughtful & respectful feedback between peers.”
— Emperatriz Ung

“I'm not usually a fiction writer, but I love K-Ming Chang's writing so much, I wanted to take the plunge and try her class. It was even better than I expected -- inspiring, fun, the kind of environment where creativity could unfurl. I could not recommend Kundiman classes more!”
— Hannah Bae

“I was artistically challenged and pushed in new ways, I found that not only were my insecurities and struggles heard, but so many others at the retreat were dealing with similar questions…Kundiman creates the community, and we choose to step into it. I am so glad I did.”
— Rana Tahir

“I came to Kundiman with the hope of finding a new literary community, but instead found a new familiy. The voices of my warm, wonderful Kundiman family still reverberate through me in everything I write: transforming me, nudging me to keep challenging myself.”
— Sharon Suzuki-Martinez

“The Kundiman Mentorship Lab…breaks down hierarchical barriers between teacher and student, and instead aims to foster lasting relationships, supportive community, and true creative mentorship. A truly special program of groundbreaking purpose.”
—T Kira Madden

“[The Retreat] was an incredible experience, so much better than what I had imagined. I left the retreat changed and recuperated, with more love and hope in my heart. I took so much away from it—it was everything I needed and more.”
— Aria Aber

“Kundiman not only reaffirmed me as a writer, but has helped me understand that my story and influences are important. It taught me that it is okay to write English poetry in a tradition with influences that are not Western. That it is not only okay but necessary for me to claim my own space, particularly as a Muslim woman of color.”
— Adeeba Shahid Talukder

“I typically feel marginalized often in AA/PI spaces, so I was a bit nervous about experiencing that here in Kundiman. I left this experience with new friends, new perspectives on voices…The compassion I received from everyone I connected with is a compassion that I aspire to have for myself moving forward.”
— Terisa Siagatonu

“I no longer feel like a solitary voice speaking into the void, hoping vaguely that someone might deem me interesting, or worthy, or in possession of some unique spark. Thanks to Kundiman, I now have a community that will genuinely receive my poems—and even better, I have their poems as well: their love songs to me.”
— Mia Malhotra