Amanda Gorman biography explores her early life, age, family background, education, poetry career, famous poems, books, activism, One Pen One Page, awards and recognition, personal life, net worth, as well as the major achievements that have shaped her public life.
Amanda Gorman is an American poet, author and activist who became internationally known after performing her poem The Hill We Climb at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021. At 22, she became the youngest poet to deliver a reading at a U.S. presidential inauguration, an achievement that brought her poetry and activism to a global audience.
Before her historic inauguration performance, Gorman had already established herself as a young literary talent. She became the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles in 2014 and was appointed the first National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States in 2017. She later expanded her work into children’s literature and advocacy, while continuing to address issues involving racial equality, gender justice, environmental concerns and children’s rights.
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Amanda Gorman Biography Highlights
- Full Name: Amanda S. C. Gorman
- Popular Name: Amanda Gorman
- Date of Birth: March 7, 1998
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
- State/Region of Origin: California, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Profession: Poet, Author, Activist and Public Speaker
- Known For: Performing The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s 2021 presidential inauguration
- Years Active: 2014–present
- Notable Achievement: First National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States
- Notable Books: The Hill We Climb, Call Us What We Carry, Change Sings, Something, Someday and Girls on the Rise
Amanda Gorman’s Age
Amanda S. C. Gorman was born on March 7, 1998, making her 28 years old in 2026.
She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she developed an interest in writing and poetry from an early age.
Amanda Gorman Early Life and Family Background
Amanda Gorman was born and raised in Los Angeles. She grew up with her mother, Joan Wicks, who worked as an English teacher.
Gorman has a twin sister, Gabrielle Gorman, who is a filmmaker and activist. She also has a brother, Spencer Gorman.
From a young age, Gorman showed an interest in writing. Her early exposure to language and literature helped shape the career that would eventually make her one of the most recognisable young poets in the United States.
Gorman has also spoken publicly about experiencing a speech impediment during childhood. Her relationship with language and pronunciation became part of her personal journey as she developed her confidence as a writer and public speaker.
Amanda Gorman Education
Gorman attended New Roads High School in Santa Monica, California, before continuing her education at Harvard University.
At Harvard, she studied Sociology and graduated cum laude in 2020. During her time at university, she continued writing poetry and developing her work as an activist and public speaker.
Amanda Gorman’s Poetry Career
Gorman began writing poetry when she was very young and developed her skills through spoken-word performances and youth poetry programmes.
Her early career gained significant recognition in Los Angeles. In 2014, she became the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, an achievement that established her as an emerging young literary voice.
In 2017, she reached another major milestone when Urban Word named her the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States.
Her poetry often explores subjects including identity, race, history, inequality, feminism, democracy, hope and social change. Her work has also addressed the experiences of marginalised communities and the African diaspora.
Beyond publishing books, Gorman has written commissioned poems for major events and organisations and has performed at venues including the White House during the Obama administration, the Library of Congress and Lincoln Center.
Her Famous Poems
The Hill We Climb
The Hill We Climb is Amanda Gorman’s most famous poem.
She performed it at the January 20, 2021, inauguration of President Joe Biden, becoming the youngest poet to perform at a U.S. presidential inauguration.
The poem reflects on America’s history, political divisions, democracy and the possibility of national unity. Her performance attracted international attention and turned Gorman into a global literary figure.
The poem was subsequently published as a standalone book, The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country. The book debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
In This Place (An American Lyric)
In This Place (An American Lyric) is one of Gorman’s earlier notable poems. The work reflects on America, identity and the role of poetry in responding to the realities of society.
The poem is part of the body of work that helped establish Gorman’s reputation before her 2021 inauguration performance.
We Rise
We Rise is a poem by Gorman that later inspired her 2025 children’s picture book Girls on the Rise.
The poem focuses on the strength and potential of girls and celebrates the importance of embracing different experiences and identities. The book adaptation was published in January 2025 with illustrations by Loveis Wise.
New Day’s Lyric
New Day’s Lyric is a poem Gorman released in 2021 in partnership with Instagram.
The work centres on themes of hope, renewal and collective progress, reflecting the broader themes that have become common throughout her poetry.
Amanda Gorman’s Books
Amanda Gorman has published poetry, standalone editions of her poems and children’s picture books.
The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough
The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough was published in 2015 and is identified by the Poetry Foundation as one of Gorman’s early poetry books.
The work predates her rise to international prominence and represents an early stage of her development as a published poet.
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country
Published in 2021, The Hill We Climb presents the poem Gorman performed at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration.
The special edition became a major bestseller following her historic performance and introduced her writing to a much wider international audience. It debuted at No. 1 on several major U.S. bestseller lists.
Call Us What We Carry
Call Us What We Carry is Gorman’s debut full-length poetry collection.
Published in 2021, the collection explores history, language, identity, memory, grief and collective experience. The book became an instant No. 1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller.
The collection was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem is Gorman’s first children’s picture book, illustrated by Loren Long.
The book encourages children to recognise their ability to contribute to change through their actions and voices. It became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller.
Something, Someday
Something, Someday is a children’s picture book written by Gorman and illustrated by Christian Robinson.
The story focuses on the idea that individuals can make a difference even when problems appear too large to solve. It presents themes of hope, cooperation, kindness and collective action.
Girls on the Rise
Girls on the Rise was published on January 7, 2025, with illustrations by Loveis Wise.
The book is based on Gorman’s earlier poem We Rise and celebrates the diversity, strength and potential of girls. It explores themes of unity, courage and the different ways girls experience and navigate the world.
Amanda Gorman Activism
Gorman’s activism is closely connected to her poetry and writing.
Her advocacy has focused on issues including racial equality, gender justice, environmental concerns and youth empowerment. She frequently uses poetry and public speaking to discuss social issues and encourage people, particularly young people, to use their voices.
Her work often connects artistic expression with civic engagement. Rather than separating her literary career from her activism, Gorman has used poetry as one of the primary ways through which she communicates her views on inequality, identity and social responsibility.
Amanda Gorman and One Pen One Page
Gorman is the founder of One Pen One Page, a nonprofit organisation that runs youth writing and leadership programmes.
The organisation reflects her belief in the power of writing to help young people develop confidence, express themselves and participate more actively in their communities.
Her involvement with youth literacy and leadership has remained an important part of her work alongside her career as a poet and author.
Amanda Gorman at Joe Biden’s Inauguration
The most defining moment of Gorman’s career came on January 20, 2021, when she performed The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration.
At the age of 22, she became the youngest poet to perform at a U.S. presidential inauguration.
Her performance received widespread international attention and transformed her from a respected young poet into a global public figure.
The publication of The Hill We Climb soon afterward further increased her visibility and helped establish her as a bestselling author.
Amanda Gorman’s Super Bowl Performance
In 2021, Gorman became the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl.
She delivered an original poem honouring three community leaders: educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner and Marine veteran James Martin.
The performance further demonstrated the growing role of poetry in Gorman’s public career and her ability to bring spoken-word poetry to major mainstream audiences.
Amanda Gorman and UNICEF
Gorman has been involved with UNICEF USA in advocacy for children’s rights.
In December 2025, UNICEF USA appointed her as its newest UNICEF Ambassador. Before the appointment, she had already worked with the organisation for several years, using her platform to advocate for children around the world.
Her work with UNICEF has included advocacy focused on children affected by emergencies and those in need of education, healthcare and protection.
The role represents an extension of her broader interest in youth empowerment and children’s rights.
Amanda Gorman’s Awards and Recognition
Gorman has received recognition for her work in poetry, writing, activism and youth leadership.
Some of her notable achievements and honours include:
- Becoming the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles in 2014.
- Becoming the first National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States in 2017.
- Receiving the Poets & Writers Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award.
- Receiving a Genius Grant from OZY Media.
- Receiving recognition from YoungArts.
- Being recognised through the Glamour College Women of the Year Awards.
- Receiving recognition from the Webby Awards.
- Being recognised by Scholastic Inc.
- Becoming the youngest poet to perform at a U.S. presidential inauguration.
- Having The Hill We Climb debut at No. 1 on multiple major U.S. bestseller lists.
- Having Call Us What We Carry become an instant No. 1 bestseller.
- Receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for Call Us What We Carry.
- Being appointed a UNICEF Ambassador in 2025.
Amanda Gorman’s Career and Public Influence
Gorman’s career has expanded significantly since her 2021 inauguration performance.
She has continued working as a poet and author while developing children’s books and participating in public advocacy.
Her ability to combine literature, activism and public speaking has helped her reach audiences beyond traditional poetry circles. Her books have become bestsellers, while her public appearances have continued to place poetry at the centre of conversations about social issues and civic responsibility.
Her career also demonstrates the transition of a young poet from local recognition to international prominence. Her early achievements in Los Angeles and at the national level created the foundation for the global attention she received after the Biden inauguration.
Amanda Gorman’s Personal Life
Gorman has generally kept her private life away from the centre of public attention.
She was raised in Los Angeles by her mother, Joan Wicks, and has a twin sister, Gabrielle Gorman.
Her childhood experience with a speech impediment has also become part of her public story. Rather than preventing her from becoming a poet and public speaker, her experience with speech and language became intertwined with her development as a writer.
Gorman continues to live and work in Los Angeles, her hometown.
Amanda Gorman’s Net Worth
Amanda Gorman’s exact net worth is not publicly verified.
Her career provides several potential sources of income, including book sales, poetry performances, public speaking, commissioned writing and professional partnerships.
Her books have achieved significant commercial success, particularly The Hill We Climb and Call Us What We Carry. She has also built a career around public appearances and literary work.
However, there is no reliable public financial disclosure establishing the exact value of her personal assets, investments, properties or other sources of wealth.
For that reason, specific figures published online should be regarded as estimates rather than confirmed valuations.
Conclusion
Amanda Gorman’s career has been shaped by the combination of poetry, activism and public advocacy.
Her early achievements as Los Angeles’ first Youth Poet Laureate and the first National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States established her as a promising young poet. Her performance of The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration then transformed her into an internationally recognised literary figure.
Since then, Gorman has expanded her work through poetry collections, children’s books, youth literacy programmes and advocacy for racial equality, gender justice, environmental issues and children’s rights.
Her appointment as a UNICEF Ambassador in 2025 added another major dimension to her advocacy work, particularly her focus on children and young people.
Through her writing and activism, Gorman has built a career that extends beyond poetry. She has become a prominent voice for a generation interested in using literature, public speaking and creative expression to engage with social issues and encourage change.
FAQs About Amanda Gorman
Who Is Amanda Gorman?
Amanda Gorman is an American poet, author and activist known for her poetry, children’s books and advocacy on issues including racial equality, gender justice, environmental concerns and children’s rights.
How Old Is Amanda Gorman?
Amanda Gorman was born on March 7, 1998, making her 28 years old in 2026.
Where Is Amanda Gorman From?
She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, United States.
What Is Amanda Gorman Famous For?
She is best known for performing her poem The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration in 2021, becoming the youngest poet to perform at a U.S. presidential inauguration.
What Did Amanda Gorman Study?
She studied Sociology at Harvard University and graduated cum laude in 2020.
What Is Amanda Gorman’s Most Famous Poem?
Her most famous poem is The Hill We Climb, which she performed at the 2021 U.S. presidential inauguration.
What Books Has Amanda Gorman Written?
Her published books include The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough, The Hill We Climb, Call Us What We Carry, Change Sings, Something, Someday and Girls on the Rise.
Is Amanda Gorman an Activist?
Yes. Her activism focuses on issues including racial equality, gender justice, environmental concerns, youth empowerment and children’s rights.
What Organisation Did Amanda Gorman Found?
She founded One Pen One Page, a nonprofit organisation focused on youth writing and leadership.
When Did Amanda Gorman Become a UNICEF Ambassador?
UNICEF USA appointed Gorman as a UNICEF Ambassador in December 2025.
Is Amanda Gorman Married?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Amanda Gorman is married.
Does Amanda Gorman Have Children?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Amanda Gorman has children.
What Is Amanda Gorman’s Net Worth?
Amanda Gorman’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified. Her potential income sources include book sales, public speaking, poetry performances, commissioned writing and professional partnerships, but no confirmed figure for her personal wealth has been publicly disclosed.
