Jennifer Minniti-Shippey is managing editor of Poetry International literary journal, co-founder and faculty director of Poetic Youth, and a lecturer at San Diego State University. Her publications include the chapbooks Done Dating DJs and Earth's Horses & Boys.

Garrett Bryant is an avid writer of poetry and micro fiction as well as a contributing editor for Poetry International and Hinged: Journal of Converging Arts. He is also a co-founder of Poetic Youth.

Jen Marshall Lagedrost is assistant director of the writing center at California Lutheran University, a poet, and a volunteer with 826LA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the creative and expository writing skills of elementary through high school youth.

Maya Washington is the creative director of White Space Poetry Project. Writing workshops inspired by her award-winning short film, White Space, about a deaf poet's debut in front of a hearing audience, reach young audiences globally to promote collaborations between hearing and deaf artists.

Kelsye Gould is communications coordinator at Pillsbury House + Theatre: a center for creativity and community. An integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, one of the largest human services organizations in Minnesota, Pillsbury House + Theatre demonstrates that the highest quality art is an integral part of all healthy communities.