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.
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.
Miles Chapin grew up in Boulder in a progressive, environmentally conscious family, with a passion for nature and community engagement from an early 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.
Marc Devonte Prince is a gay Black man from Beaumont, Texas, advocating for resilience and community while prioritizing education amidst financial challenges.
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.
Juliette Bouchard, a Montreal native from a bilingual family, is a novelist known for exploring language, identity, and Quebec culture through her literature.
Julianne Santos grew up in La Jolla, California, surrounded by the ocean, influenced by her mother’s marine biology career and her family's love for nature.
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.