City of Medford Names Next Poet Laureate

Multilingual Medford poet Vijaya Sundaram will take over the position from inaugural title holder Terry E. Carter on July 1 

The City of Medford, in partnership with the Medford Arts Council has named its next Poet Laureate, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced. Vijaya Sundaram will take over the position from the inaugural Poet Laureate Terry E. Carter, whose two-year term ends on July 1. 

“I am beyond thrilled to have Vijaya as our next Poet Laureate,” Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said. “Her unique voice coupled with her vision for the future of the arts in Medford made her an ideal choice to build upon the tremendous foundation that Terry Carter started.” 

Vijaya is a long time Medford resident and has collaborated with Terry Carter several times. Originally from India, she married Warren Senders, and moved to the US in late 1988, settling in Massachusetts in early 1989. Vijaya was previously a public-school teacher in Winchester and is now an Assistant Professor at Bunker Hill Community College. 

“I am greatly honored to be named Medford’s next Poet Laureate,” Sundaram said. “I love this city and look forward to working with our administration, the Medford Arts Council, and our community to contribute to our cultural landscape. Terry E. Carter paved the way with his passion and compassion, and I’m happy to follow in his footsteps.” 

The City will be holding an official installation ceremony later this summer.  

About the Poet Laureate position 

The City of Medford Poet Laureate, acting as the official City poet, will highlight poets and poetry, and literature, particularly working with community members who may traditionally have less access to poetry. Working with the City Administration and the Medford Arts Council, the Poet Laureate will strive to increase access to senior citizens, youth, and non-English speakers across various platforms. The Medford Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term and will receive a $2,000 stipend each year. 

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