Sterling Cunio, is an award-winning author, playwright and poet. An Oregon Literary Arts Fellow, Pen America Arts for Social Justice Fellow, and a World Yes Jammer whose work has been published in The Marshall Project, L.A. Book review and performed by various artists including Grammy award-winning
musician Antonio  Sanchez.

His essay "Going Forward with Gus" won second prize at the PEN America prison writing contest.  He co-wrote and co-starred in "The Bucket" which won first prize in the drama category in PEN America prison writing contest.