Dr. Candice Love Jackson is a writer, poet, and cultural curator from Jackson, Mississippi. She published her debut novel, Deserving Grace, in 2019 and its sequel, Finding His Treasure, in 2021. She is currently working on her next project, Riding Shotgun, and a poetry collection, The Last of My Tribe, or Until Even Then (depending on what day you ask). She also serves as the director of the JXN Film Festival and cohosts Allegedly Higher,a podcast focusing on popular culture and higher education through a human-centered lens.

Yaisa Mann is an English professor at Langston University, Oklahoma’s only historically Black college and university, where she teaches writing and literature. She is the author of Barely Brown and Restoring You: Shopping for a New You, and the editor of BeYOUtiful: A Collection of Body Image Stories for Every Body, Shape, Size, Color & Ability. Her work centers on body image and embodiment through a developing framework, Pigeon-Toed, which explores how Black girls and Black women navigate between inward identity and outward expectations.

Dr. Charlotte C. Teague is an award-winning educator, storyteller, and professional writer who inspires audiences through the power of language, creativity, and leadership. As chairperson of the Department of English and Modern Languages at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), she empowers students by blending innovative teaching with transformative storytelling that connects scholarship to real-world impact. A nationally recognized scholar and recipient of the AAMU Presidential Citation for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Service, Dr. Teague is passionate about cultivating voices, preserving narratives, and equipping the next generation of writers and leaders to tell stories that matter.

Amory D. Campbell is a master’s student in English at Jackson State University, specializing in creative writing. She is from Jackson, Mississippi. She has been published as a feature in What Can We Do for Our Country?, volume 9 of The Phoenix (Mississippi School of the Arts literary magazine), and Pleiades (Murrah High School literary arts magazine).

Brianna Hatfield is a senior English major at Philander Smith University. She serves as president of her chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and vice president of her chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she demonstrates a strong commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. Through her academic achievements and campus involvement, Hatfield strives to make a positive impact while preparing for a future dedicated to education, communication, and community engagement.

LaShawnna Holder is a transformational leader whose influence spans ministry, education, entrepreneurship, and community outreach. Known for her passion, authenticity, and commitment to serving others, she empowers individuals and organizations to grow beyond limitations and pursue purpose with confidence. Her mission is to inspire change, cultivate leaders, and make a lasting impact, one life at a time.