As we prepare to open the Torch Center, we’re proud to announce a new team member and a position critical to The Center’s operations. We’re excited to announce the hiring of Sierra Lewis, our Administrative Associate, and welcome her to the Torch team. 

As the Administrative Associate, Sierra will ensure quality customer service, smooth daily operations, maintain efficient office procedures, and act as a key liaison between team members and the general public. She will also help curate an intentional shop at the Torch Center featuring works by our featured authors, Torch merch, and lifestyle products that celebrate the culture.  

“Sierra’s expertise and energy complement our mission. We can’t wait for our community members to see her smiling face at the Torch Center once we open!” said Amanda Johnson, executive director.

Sierra Lewis is an administrator, creative entrepreneur, and cultural curator whose work centers on supporting Black, women, and value-driven communities. Born in Baltimore and based in Austin, she brings experience across nonprofit, arts, education, social service, and entrepreneurship, with a deep commitment to building systems that sustain creative work and community.

She is the founder and former brick-and-mortar owner of New Origin Shop, a curated retail platform uplifting independent makers, many of them Black women. Sierra brings a background in marketing, digital storytelling, and e-commerce, with experience building community and operations across both physical and digital spaces. She is a BeyGOOD Foundation grant recipient and a Goldman Sachs Black in Business scholar, and her work has been featured on Texas Today NBC 5. Sierra is honored to support Torch Literary Arts in amplifying the voices of Black women writers and strengthening the infrastructure that sustains their work.

You can see the full list of our employees and board members here. 

###

About Torch Literary Arts

Torch Literary Arts (Torch) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats.

Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today.

Media Contact Information:

Brittany Heckard

Communications Associate

bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org 

(512) 641-9251