About Carliss

Carliss Maddox is a visionary author, poet, educator, playwright, and entrepreneur whose work uplifts, affirms, and transforms. Originally from Georgia and now rooted in Maryland, Carliss has spent decades shaping hearts and minds through truth-filled storytelling, principled service, and servant leadership. She is the author of three children’s books and the poetry collection R.A.U.W. (Real and Unadulterated Words of Poetry), each offering spiritually resonant reflections that center identity, healing, and hope. As founder of Carli and Company, Carliss curates empowering literature and apparel for children and adults, anchoring every product in affirmation, authenticity, and purpose. She is also a contributing writer for Three-Fifths Magazine, which addresses societal reckoning, racial equity, historical perspectives, and spiritual insight. 

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​Carliss earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (cum laude) and a Master of Arts in Education, with a focus on Early Childhood Education. She received advanced leadership training in Educational Administration and Supervision from Morgan State University and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.