Sasha Savvy Loves to Code

Sasha A. Alston is an acclaimed author renowned for her groundbreaking children's book series, including "Sasha Savvy Loves to Code" and "Sasha Savvy Starts it Up," which champions STEM exploration and entrepreneurship. As a sought-after speaker, Sasha has graced national platforms, like Good Morning America, Forbes, HuffPost, and Black Enterprise, while inspiring youth in initiatives by Disney, Google, Amazon, and Meta.A graduate of Pace University's Lubin School of Business with a degree in Information Systems, she works at a leading global financial services firm and is the Founder & CEO of The Stem Code. Sasha supports several organizations that focus on providing youth the tools needed to succeed including serving as a board member for On Ramps to Careers.

Award-winning illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton was born during the Civil Rights movement, and attended school in Newark, NJ. She was part of a diverse, tight-knit community and learned the importance of acceptance and empowerment at early age. The book Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats was the first time she saw herself in a children's book. It was a defining moment in her life, and has made her into the artist she is today. As an illustrator, Vanessa includes children of all ethnic backgrounds in her stories and artwork. She wants all children to see their unique experiences reflected in the books they read, so they can feel the same sense of empowerment and recognition she experienced as a young reader. Vanessa celebrates self-love and acceptance of all cultures through her work, and hopes to inspire young readers to find their own voices.