Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Kupenda Auset (Joette Harland Crosby) is a published writer, producer, and scholar intrigued with the nexus between art and social consciousness. This fascination has fueled her exploration, passion, and engagement in creative forms such as poetry, essays, journalism, events, and promotion of the arts. Her affinity with arts, academia, and community has landed her on radio, television, and in print with appearances on WAGA Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta and 91.9FM WCLK and with recognition from the Atlanta Journal & Constitution in “Faces to Watch.”  

Kupenda grew up in Cascade Heights, graduating from Mays High School.  She attended Spelman College and pursued her M.A. degree from Clark Atlanta University.  In 2002, Kupenda founded House of Life Dinner Theatre & Supper Club (now House of Life PR & Events), a cultural arts presenting organization she later expanded to provide communications, pr/marketing, and event services.  

An active part of Atlanta's arts landscape, Kupenda formerly worked at the National Black Arts Festival and is currently an Atlanta Ambassador for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Concerned with issues of hunger/homelessness, interfaith/intercultural understanding, women, mental health, and Breast Cancer Prevention and Survival, she is an advocate for several organizations and serves as Board Member of Southwest Ecumenical Emergency Assistance Center (SWEEAC).