I’m Ibelisse Sánchez, known to most as Mimi, a social worker, writer, and artist born in Brooklyn, New York, carrying with me the roots of my Puerto Rican heritage. Raised by my grandparents, who first introduced me to the Christian faith, I learned early on the beauty of art, compassion, and devotion. My grandfather, an expressionist painter, awakened my love for creativity, while my grandmother’s heart of hospitality taught me the meaning of serving with love. For fifteen years, I had the sacred privilege of caring for my grandparents at home through Alzheimer’s and chronic illness. That season—both hard and holy—taught me to listen for the Lord’s still, small voice and deepened my compassion for the lonely, weary, and suffering.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago. Grounded in my faith in Jesus, I spent nearly a decade as a social worker supporting incarcerated individuals in their journey toward healing and reintegration, and now I help those living with a disability obtain the freedom of mobility within their community.
Whether through words, art, or presence, I long to share hope and leave traces of God’s love, truth, and comfort wherever I am sent. I live in Chicago with my husband, Merl, a musician and producer. I am grateful for the opportunity to share pieces of my journey, praying that it inspires others to walk more intimately with Jesus and to be awed by the glorious beauty He reveals through their own stories.
The best way to reach me directly is by emailing me at ibelisse@awritersinkhorn.com.
