Jamy Wheless is an American animation director, producer, and veteran animator with over 30 years of experience spanning feature films, independent animation, and education. He began his career at Industrial Light & Magic, contributing to some of the most iconic films in cinema, including Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Hulk.

Zachary Warter is a storyteller, philanthropist, and leader of the Warter Strong Foundation. A New Jersey native and student at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, Zach is the author of the Otis the Do Happy Dog children’s book series, a collection of stories inspired by his charity's message to “Do Happy”.
What began as a simple idea, to create a story to show kids that happiness is an action, not just a feeling, has evolved into a movement reaching schools, families, and communities across the country.

Misako Rocks is a Japanese manga artist who has published books worldwide. Her ongoing graphic novel series, Bounce Back, was selected for the American Library Association’s Best Graphic Novels for Children list. She also creates the activity book series How to Draw Kawaii Manga with Misako Rocks, which teaches young readers how to draw cute manga characters and fashion. Beyond making books, she teaches online manga classes for kids through her community, Learn Manga with Misako. She loves to share her passion for drawing manga!

Malcolm Mitchell is an author, literacy advocate, and former professional athlete whose journey from the football field to the world of books has inspired millions. A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Malcolm excelled at the University of Georgia (UGA), where he became one of the school’s all-time leading receivers and earned national recognition for his community service as Captain of the Allstate Good Works Team.

Dr. Holly MacKenna is an integrative psychiatrist, physician, and healer with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and integrative medicine. A passionate advocate for mindfulness and mental well-being, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals find balance, resilience, and focus—both in life and on the court. As a longtime medical educator and chronic illness patient, she strives to improve public health and reduce mental health stigma through her work. Inspired by her family’s love of basketball and the experiences of her two children, Dr.

Monique Lorden is an author and artist from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her vibrant books, visual art: including murals, innovative light art, larger-than-life inflated sculptures, and permanent sculptures, bears witness to her commitment to cultural expression and activism. Her creativity seeks to further enrich community landscapes and stories. Monique believes that “art is a catalyst for community action, a bridge that connects voices and fosters change."

Jen Hayes Lee is an author, marketing executive, and proud New Orleans native whose work celebrates confidence, connection, and community. Her debut children’s book, The Golden Hoops (HarperCollins, September 2025), tells the story of a young girl discovering her inner magic through the rite of passage of receiving her first pair of hoops.

Beyond her distinguished legal career, Kaye Courington is deeply committed to community service, serving on the boards of the LA/MS Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Louise S. McGehee School, the Newcomb Institute Advisory Council, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. She brings her passion for storytelling and love for animals to her debut book, Scrim: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue chronicling Scrim’s journey through the heart of New Orleans.

Connie Collins Morgan holds a Master of Fine Arts in Children’s Literature from Hollins University, where she completed her thesis, The Cajun I Am, a collection of six original children’s stories. A former Maryland public school teacher with over 25 years of experience in elementary and middle school education, she is the author of three children’s books: The Runaway Beignet, Hercules on the Bayou, and The Cajun Fisherman and His Wife—each earning praise and recognition from Kirkus Reviews and the ReViews section of School Library Connection.