
Ruth Mella is a Bronx-born, Dominican poet, storyteller, and social justice artist rooted in Ypsilanti, Michigan. As the First Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate, Ruth uses poetry as both testimony and resistance—writing at the intersections of faith, survival, memory, and community care.
Her work confronts social and community injustices such as housing insecurity, displacement, and systemic inequality, while honoring cultural identity and collective resilience. Grounded in her Dominican heritage, Ruth’s poetry carries the rhythms of home, prayer, and protest—inviting readers and listeners into spaces of truth, healing, and hope.
Ruth’s writing has been featured in The Eastern Echo, WCBN Radio, MLive, Concrete News, and The Loop. She is a 1st Place winner of the Ypsi Writes Competition for her Martin Luther King Jr. poem and has performed at schools, libraries, and community gatherings across Michigan.
Ruth earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University, where she received a Presidential Honorable Mention at her Winter 2025 graduation for academic excellence and community leadership. She currently serves as a teacher and Girl's basketball coach at Ypsilanti High School and is an evangelist, preaching across different states and countries.
Through poetry, performance, and facilitation, Ruth creates spaces where language arts become a home—a place to empower, uplift, remember, and bring futures together.
Student Center EMU
Saturday Graduate student bible study at EMU!
12 PM- 1:30 PM
Student Center (room 104 for date 9/19 & 9/26) (Starting 10/3 we will be in room ...
Student Center EMU
Cluster Museum 307 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Poetry Reading at Cluster Museum Ann Arbor
307 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cluster Museum 307 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Ypsilanti Water Tower by Flags
See You at the Pole Day is an annual student-led event where Christian students gather around school flagpoles to pray for their schools, co...
Ypsilanti Water Tower by Flags

Ruth Mella offers poetry-based services and performances grounded in Christian faith, community care, and creative expression. Work that is welcoming, reflective, and rooted in compassion.
Live poetry for events, churches, schools, and community gatherings—rooted in faith, storytelling, and reflection.
Interactive workshops that guide participants in writing, sharing, and exploring their voices through poetry and journaling.
Curated, welcoming spaces that encourage community expression, storytelling, and connection.
Lead engaging open mic nights that celebrate local voices, inspire participation, and create a supportive stage for performers of all ages.
Creative sessions for young people that build confidence, literacy, and self-expression through poetry.
Poetry and talks centered on Christian faith, purpose, hope, and using creativity as a form of service.
Design and organize meaningful, memorable events—from literary showcases to community gatherings—ensuring every detail supports connection, creativity, and impact.
Dead battery? I’ll help get your vehicle powered back on safely and quickly.
Ran out of gas? Emergency fuel delivery to get you back on the road.
Locked your keys inside your vehicle? I provide non-damaging door opening assistance.
Services start at $60 (pricing may vary by distance and service).
Ruth Mella Business Number: (734)-407-5948
Twenty-four of Michigans best and brightest were honored in a virtual event Tuesday as Outstanding Graduates for 2021 by The Detroit News and CATCH.
Ruth Mella selected winner of the Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Contest
Writers of Ypsilanti include Marc Arthur, Crystal Campbell, R.J. Fox, Monica Hickson, Bradley Kraft, Georgia Krieger, Ruth Mella, Emma Rodseth and Ameera Salman.
We are pleased to announce, honor, and share the submissions of this year's winners of Eastern Michigan University's MLK, Jr. Scholarship Contest. This year's MLK, Jr. Day theme, which the winners express through their poems and spoken word writing, was "Driven by the Dream."
Ruth Mella, the 2024 Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate and the Martin Luther King Writing Scholar performed poems for the attendees.
EMU holds 39th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Presidential Luncheon - The Eastern Echo
Exploring poetry through creativity with Ypsilanti's 2024 Youth Poet Laureate Ruth Mella Let's Celebrate - Poetry Month Writing Workshops | Ypsilanti District Library
Open Mic, hosted by Ruth Mella, Ypsilanti’s first Youth Poet Laureate. Creating a space where youth, young adults, college students, and the broader Ypsilanti community can come together to share their stories through poetry, spoken word, and performance.
Poetry In Action: Open Mic – Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate – Riverside Arts Center
This inaugural literary event features 9 writers whose pieces are inspired by the 20 Lessons from Timothy Snyder’s book, On Tyranny: 20 Lessons from the 20th Century. https://clustermuseum.org/events/howtolivethetimeofyourlife
The event features Michigan Poet Laureate Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd, Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Ruth Mella, and local poet Leslie McGraw.
Click "Preview Your Copy"
Click "Preview Your Copy"
Click "Read Sample"
If you love the Bible and love trivia, this is your perfect mix, learn the Bible with the quickness.
Si te encanta la Biblia y te encantan los juegos, esta es la combinación perfecta, aprende la Biblia con rapidez.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to Faith & Fashion! 💕 Because of your generosity, we were able to provide rent support to a community member in need while also supporting ministry outreach. Thank you for helping us be the hands and feet of Jesus. 🙏✨
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." — Hebrews 13:16
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Business Email for inquires only bandzririx@gmail.com Ruth Roadside Services Text or Call 734-407-5948 Find me on Instagram @M3llaru @Jesussavedruth Facebook @Ruth Mella Youtube @jesussavedruth
Hours of operation vary weekly.
All general inquiries should be directed via email.
For roadside assistance, please call or text.
El horario de atención varía semanalmente.
Todas las consultas generales deben enviarse por correo electrónico.
Para asistencia en carretera, favor de llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto.
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