Alysia Dempsey believes that girls around the world should be the authors of their own stories. As founder of Inspires she created the What Is Your Story? mandala to empower girls to find their voice. From India to Africa she has inspired girls to write their own story. As a self-published author she published her first Children’s picture book I Dream India in 2024, featuring her travels to Pardada Pardadi, a school for girls in Anupshahr, India.
Alysia Dempsey

Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times Bestselling American writer and poet. Her award-winning works for children and adults include Piecing Me Together, Black Girl You are Atlas, and Skin & Bones. She has devoted her life’s work to writing books that inspire girls and women to truly embrace themselves and face a world that does not always uplift them.
Renée Watson

Liseli A.Fitzpatrick, a Trinidadian poet and professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College, has devoted her life to teach and mentor students to explore and honor the rich history, dynamic culture, and revolutionary contributions made by African peoples. A universal heritage that when seen and heard will inspire empathy and compassion for stories around the world.
Liseli Fitzpatrick

Samira Maddox is the Founder and National President of Mu Delta Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Muslim-based professional sorority in the United States. She is also the founder of the M4C Foundation, which leads impactful initiatives such as the Lily Leadership Summit & Academy, CodeHerForward, the Ruby Campaign, and the Sakina Home for Girls in Kenya. With an MBA in Human Resource Management and over a decade of leadership and nonprofit experience, Samira is passionate about empowering young women, fostering leadership, and building programs that create lasting community impact.
Samira Maddox

Gabriella Castillo Rodríguez, is a diplomat dedicated to service and building community bridges. From the Cuban Embassy in the United States, Gabriela works as the Liaison for the African Diaspora and Afro-Descendant Community, focusing her efforts on listening, connecting, and strengthening cultural and human ties. With a background in History and a true calling to foreign service, her mission is to facilitate dialogue, promote mutual understanding, and serve as a link for cooperation and respect between communities.