Avery Townsend grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, exploring nature and nurturing a love for travel and storytelling while working at her family's lakeside resort.
Miles Chapin grew up in Boulder in a progressive, environmentally conscious family, with a passion for nature and community engagement from an early age.
Ebony Johnson, raised in Charleston's Gullah Geechee heritage, was inspired by family stories and local history, shaping her passion for cultural exploration in her writing.
Leslie Woodruff, raised in Boise’s North End, comes from a family with Idaho roots, blending agricultural tradition with a creative spirit through her parents' craft brewery.
Aurora Vega, raised near Las Vegas, grew up in a family tied to the entertainment scene, experiencing both the glamor of the Strip and the warmth of local communities.
Rina Tanaka grew up in suburban Tokyo, influenced by her professor father and floral designer mother, fostering a love for art, culture, and meaningful discussions.
Marc Devonte Prince is a gay Black man from Beaumont, Texas, advocating for resilience and community while prioritizing education amidst financial challenges.
Gray McAllister, raised in Telluride, grew up on a family ranch, fostering a love for the outdoors and writing about his trail adventures amidst the San Juan Mountains.
Celeste Harrington, raised in Savannah's historic district, is inspired by her architect father and pianist mother, fostering her love for art, literature, and Southern Gothic heritage.
Abby Woodcroft, raised in Bar Harbor, grew up near Acadia National Park, nurturing her passion for nature and writing inspired by her park ranger father.
Yuan Li, an only child from Beijing, grew up in a literary household. She studied Creative Writing at Peking University and explores themes of romance in her writing.
