Hala Alyan is a poet, novelist, memoirist, and clinical psychologist whose literary work explores generational and familial trauma, Palestinian history, and motherhood.

Alison Bechdel is a graphic novelist and cartoonist whose memoir, Fun Home, has been adapted into a Broadway musical. Her self-syndicated serial, Dykes to Watch Out For, ran for 25 years.

Thi Bui is a Vietnamese-born cartoonist & graphic novelist whose graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do, was named one of 2017’s best books.

Novelist Jessamine Chan’s debut book, The School for Good Mothers, was an immediate NYT best-seller. Her short fiction, essays, and reviews can be found in places like Tin House and NYT Book Review.

Camonghne Felix is a poet, essayist, and cultural worker whose art is informed by her work as a political strategist on Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign.

Roxane Gay is an internationally acclaimed essayist, novelist, and cultural critic. Her work has won Lambda Literary Awards, an Eisner Award, and multiple PEN awards.

Alvin Hall is a financial strategist, radio host, filmmaker, and author of Driving the Green Book, which follows his travels through The Negro Motorist Green Book.

Evan Hanczor is a chef, arts organizer, and food systems advocate whose work focuses on food, sustainability, and storytelling.

Mira Jacob is an author, illustrator, and cultural critic. Her graphic memoir, Good Talk, was shortlisted for the NBCC Award, longlisted for the PEN Open Book Award, named a NYT Notable Book, among others.

Saeed Jones is the author of How We Fight for Our Lives, winner of the 2019 Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction, and two poetry collections: Alive at the End of the World & Prelude to Bruise.

R.O. Kwon is a novelist whose books explore Korean-American identity, religion, sexuality, and intimacy. Her most recent novel, Exhibit, was named a Vogue’s Best Books of 2024.

Carmen Maria Machado is a novelist, memoirist, and short story author. Her memoir, In the Dream House, traces womanhood, queerness, and fairy tales.

Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a historical fiction writer whose stories follow Black women throughout American history.

Junauda Petrus is a creative activist, award-winning novelist, playwright, performance artist, and 2025–2026 Poet Laureate of Minneapolis.

Sandy Rustin is a Broadway playwright and actress whose stage adaptation of the film Clue is one of the most produced plays worldwide, with over 5,000 productions.

Angela Saini is an award-winning science journalist and broadcaster. Her work explores how science interacts with society, and how it affects marginalized groups

Luis Alberto Urrea is the bestselling author of 19 books. A Guggenheim fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist, his books have been selected by more than 100 different cities and colleges for community reads programs.

Kevin Wilson is the author of five novels, including bestsellers Nothing to See Here and Now Is Not the Time to Panic. His 2025 novel, Run for the Hills, was called “a touching and generous romp of a novel” by the NYT.