Rania M. M. Watts is not your garden-variety human; a poet, advocate, and creative force who began scribing poetry at the age of 13, discovering early on the healing power of the written word. Forged through consistent trial by fire, Rania’s poetry fearlessly explores life’s darkest terrains, yet always threads a persistent undercurrent of hope. She is the curator of the Roach Print Anthology, a project whose proceeds support global mental health initiatives. Her work has been featured in the 48th Street Press Broadside Series and Open Minds Quarterly’s special classroom edition, used to educate high school and college students on mental health awareness.

Rania’s poetry publications include Sick: Twisted Drinking Game, co-authored with Luke Young. Other poetry books penned by her include Trajectory, Navigation, Summer to Summer Rewind, Cockroach Blueprint, Verity, and Broken Candy. Rania is currently working on her eighth book, WTF is Wrong With You?, about her adventures in the UK. Furthermore, Rania has contributed to the UK-based blogs The Punk Archive and Music Gateway, where she authored music reviews and industry-related articles.

Her advocacy extends beyond the page: Rania holds a Social Service Worker Diploma with a focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, advocacy, and suicidal ideation. In Spring 2021, she earned a Victimology Graduate Certificate, and in April 2025, she graduated with an Honours Bachelor’s in Behavioural Science. She plans to integrate this knowledge into a career in Music Business Management, combining her mental health expertise and artistic insight to impact the industry from within. (Picture Credit: Valisa Bernardino)