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

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.

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.

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