Carrie Mayfield, raised in upscale Buckhead, Atlanta, values culture and philanthropy, influenced by her financial consultant parents and experiences in charity and art.
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.
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.
Lila Reeves is a Santa Fe native, raised in a boutique gallery, immersed in the region's art and culture, fostering her creative spirit from a young age.
Marcus Chambers grew up in a Jamaican American household in D.C., where his parents worked hard to provide opportunities while honoring their Caribbean roots.
Julian Carmichael, born in Brooklyn Heights, grew up in a culturally rich environment, fostering his passion for literature and the arts from a young age.
Caroline Hensley, raised in Montgomery, Alabama, grew up in a family of educators, fostering her passion for storytelling and social justice from an early age.
Willow Fitzgerald, raised on a ranch near Bozeman, Montana, developed a love for the land and horses, shaping her journey as an author and environmental advocate.
James Harrington, a rural West Virginia native from a coal mining family, emphasizes perseverance and community in his writing, blending regional traditions with universal themes.
Harriet Ojo, from Abuja, Nigeria, grew up in a family that valued education and community service, shaping her commitment to social issues and storytelling.
