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.
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.
DeAndre Holloway, a Chicago native, grew up in a middle-class family. He is an acclaimed author and advocate for urban storytelling, deeply rooted in his city's culture.
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.
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.
Chris Valente, raised in Santa Barbara, grew up in a philanthropic family. He now writes novels and essays blending ecology with personal stories in Santa Monica.