Meet Renzo Del Castillo | Executive Leader, Community Builder, Award-Winning & Best-Selling Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renzo Del Castillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renzo, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because, at its core, creativity offers a unique avenue for connection, healing, and self-discovery. Growing up navigating the complexities of immigration and cultural identity, I often felt a deep sense of disconnection—between my personal experience and the world around me. Poetry became a powerful way to bridge that gap, both within myself and between me and others. It gave me a voice in a world where I often felt silenced, and it allowed me to explore and share stories that resonate beyond borders and languages.

As a poet, I have found that art isn’t just an expression of my individual experience—it’s a way to connect with people on a profoundly human level. The emotional landscapes we navigate—whether through love, loss, or identity—are universal. Through poetry, I’ve learned that we are all linked by the same fundamental experiences, and art is the medium through which we can foster understanding, empathy, and healing.

Building a career in the arts has been a way for me to create spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can find common ground, share their own stories, and experience the transformative power of empathy. Whether through my poetry, workshops, or community-building efforts, I’m constantly inspired by the idea that art—particularly poetry—has the power to unite and heal in a way that no other form of communication can. That’s why I’m so passionate about using creativity to build bridges, foster understanding, and offer a voice to those who may feel unheard.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is centered around connection—connecting to myself, to others, and to the world. Through poetry, I explore themes of identity, migration, love, loss, and self-discovery. What sets my poetry apart is my belief that art, particularly poetry, has the power to foster empathy. It allows for an analytical relationship between oneself and the world, opening us up to see things from new perspectives. Poetry helps us recognize that despite our differences, we share a deep, universal humanity.

I’m also a strong advocate for travel as a way to learn from and connect with different cultures. Travel isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about enriching your worldview and deepening your understanding of others. When you experience new cultures, it enhances both your personal growth and your art, providing richer perspectives to draw upon.

What excites me most is the impact my poetry has had in creating space for empathy and understanding. Whether through my debut collection Still, participating in open mics across Miami, hosting book releases, or in the workshops I’m developing, I aim to show that while our stories may be unique, there is always common ground. I believe in the idea that if God exists, God exists in the spaces between people communicating—and poetry, in that way, becomes the bridge. My work is about finding those spaces and sharing them with others.

The road to becoming a best-selling, award-winning poet hasn’t been easy. There have been many challenges along the way, including navigating the complexities of identity as an immigrant and dealing with personal loss and grief. But through perseverance, vulnerability, and a commitment to authenticity, I’ve been able to shape my voice. Each step has taught me that success in this field comes from being true to yourself, being open to vulnerability, and sharing your story in a way that resonates with others.

What I want the world to know about me is that I’m dedicated to using poetry as a tool for connection, healing, and empathy. My brand is built on authenticity, cultural exploration, and the power of shared human experience. Through my art and my advocacy for cultural exchange, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own stories and recognize the value of seeing the world through others’ eyes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to Miami for a week, I’d show them the real soul of the city — not just the tourist stuff.

Day 1: Start in Wynwood for street art and tacos at Coyo Taco, then hit a few galleries. In the evening, we’d grab drinks and live music at Ball & Chain in Little Havana.

Day 2: Explore Little Havana — breakfast at Versailles, stroll down Calle Ocho, and check out the Cuban-American Museum. Dinner at La Carreta.

Day 3: Hit the beach at Key Biscayne, rent bikes, and have lunch at Rusty Pelican. In the afternoon, we’d visit PAMM (Perez Art Museum Miami) and end the day with sunset on South Beach and dinner along Ocean Drive.

Day 4: Visit Coral Gables for a more historic vibe. Check out the Venetian Pool, have lunch at The Biltmore Hotel, then explore Little Haiti. For dinner, Joe’s Stone Crab for classic Miami.

Day 5: Head to The Kampong for a peaceful stroll, then lunch at Zuma. Finish the day at Fairchild Botanical Gardens, followed by dancing and drinks at El Patio.

Day 6: Brunch at Orange Blossom, then explore the Miami Design District. Lunch at La Mar for Peruvian seafood. Afternoon at Wynwood Yard for food trucks, music, and vibes. Dinner at The Bazaar for a mix of flavors.

Day 7: Chill at The Standard pool, then brunch at The Front Porch Café. Finish with sunset drinks at Monty’s Sunset in Coconut Grove.

Miami is all about its diverse culture, and I’d want them to see that in everything; from the food to the art to the people.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would absolutely dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends—particularly my parents and my sister, who have been the unwavering source of support, love, and strength throughout my life. As an immigrant navigating complex cultural shifts, their sacrifices and resilience have been the foundation upon which I’ve built not only my creative career but also my sense of identity. Their guidance and encouragement have shaped who I am today, and I am forever grateful for their belief in me, even when I doubted myself.

I also want to recognize the communities I’ve been a part of, organizations like Indie Earth Publishing, the Miami Poetry Club, Empowering Latino Futures, Ink and Flow Poets, etc.—the organizations, groups, and friends, like Scottt Raven, who have supported me in both my creative and professional pursuits. Whether through workshops, collaborations, or just simple moments of encouragement, these spaces have been invaluable in helping me grow. The connections I’ve made through these communities have had a profound impact on my artistic journey.

Lastly, I must give credit to the authors whose words continue to shape my writing. Pablo Neruda, Wisława Szymborska, Charles Bukowski, and many others have all influenced how I think about language, identity, and storytelling. Their work has inspired me to use poetry as a tool for connection and understanding, and I owe much of my creative drive to their powerful voices.

This shoutout is for my family and all the people who have believed in me, pushed me forward, and shaped my story.

Website: https://www.renzodelcastillo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renzodelcastillo.author

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renzodelcastillo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renzodelcastillo.author

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenzoDelCastilloPoetry

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@renzodelcastillo.author

Image Credits
Some of those pictures were taken by Carlos Canadas of Carcan Studios and Odette of Odette Photo Art