Kassandra Vilchis is a poet based in Minnesota. Her work thoughtfully examines themes of grief, womanhood, and generational relationships. She was recently short-listed for the 2026 Central Avenue Poetry Prize. Her writing appears in Bending Genres Journal, Rowayat, The Passion Fruit Review, Effemera zine, Roots & Ruins anthology and the Upon Learning anthology. Outside of writing, she spends time with her dog, Thor and is dramatically lactose intolerant. You can find her on Instagram @kassandra.vilchis and curating notes for you on Substack  @KASSANDRAVILCHIS-g7w  gatherpoets.com