For Jessica Payes, poetry is a means of survival. Through her unfiltered, deeply personal writing, she confronts mental health, love, and the complexities of human relationships with raw honesty. With her upcoming collection, Temporary Lovers, she continues to challenge taboos and carve space for authenticity in literature.

Aurelia Luciano, a Dominican American poet and community organizer, explores the intersection of identity, cultural heritage, and storytelling in her work. Through her poetry, she invites readers to reflect on their own stories while reclaiming her Afro-Latinx identity. Aurelia's writing acts as a medium that connects personal experiences to shared human experiences, fostering dialogue and community engagement.

Patty Ihm has lived a life filled with stories, some spoken, some written, and some carried quietly in her heart. As a writer, former teacher, and beekeeper raising a large and vibrant family on an Illinois farmette, her path is anything but ordinary. Yet, it’s in the ordinary moments of life—those flashes of joy, sorrow, and reflection—that Patty finds her creative fuel. Through her writing, she transforms vulnerability into art, offering readers a space to connect with their own humanity.

This interview with Filipina-American poet and creative writer Cecilia delves into her journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. Through her poetry, Cecilia explores themes of cultural identity, personal growth, and the duality of belonging, drawing inspiration from her experiences as part of the Filipina diaspora. Her story highlights the power of storytelling as an act of defiance, a bridge between generations, and a celebration of heritage.