Marla Hunter [Hooper] is an educator, author, and global consultant specializing in leadership, cultural connection, and personal growth. With a background in education, instructional design, and professional development, Marla has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments.As the founder of Live. Love. Teach!, LLC, Marla works with individuals and organizations worldwide, helping them build meaningful connections through storytelling, music, and intentional leadership. Her writing blends personal experiences with practical strategies, offering readers actionable insights for creating spaces where everyone feels valued.In addition to her work in education and consulting, Marla is passionate about the arts, culture, and the power of human connection. She brings these elements to life in her books, which encourage reflection, growth, and a deeper understanding of how love and leadership shape the world around us.For more information, visit www.msmarlahunter.com.

Stephanie "Alyrical" Gowdy is a legally blind visual artist born and raised in South Florida. As an artist, Alyrical works with acrylic on canvas along with mixed media graphite, watercolor pencils, and charcoal on paper for portraits.Despite her many struggles in life-such as being diagnosed with epilepsy and keratoconus, which caused her to lose her sight-Alyrical knows God didn't take her sight to disable her; rather, He took her sight so she could clearly see the purpose for which He created her. She continues to use her inner vision and lives out her purpose by being a visual artist.Alyrical's position is that art can be for everyone, using it to not only create awareness for multiple topics but also bring society together. One of her favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Alyrical refuses to allow her life setbacks, health issues, or the loss of her sight to stop her from sharing her vision and inspiring others to follow their dreams.A self-taught illustrator and painter, Stephanie's work is influenced by her love for bold colors, expressive lines, and the rich tapestry of Black culture and storytelling. Her illustrations have been featured in creative collaborations, music projects, and community-based art initiatives, always carrying a message of unity, identity, and self-expression.Stephanie's journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with her love for music, which she infuses into every aspect of her work. As a poet and lyricist, she has performed spoken word pieces and crafted lyrical compositions that reflect themes of love, resilience, and personal growth.For Building Bridges: A Journey Through Love, Music, and Connection, Stephanie volunteered her time and talent to create illustrations that capture the book's essence-bridging gaps, celebrating cultural harmony, and fostering deeper connections through creativity. Her work on this project is a testament to her dedication to art as a means of storytelling and empowerment.When she's not illustrating or painting, Stephanie is creating music, writing poetry, and inspiring others to embrace their creativity. She believes that art is a universal language that has the power to heal, connect, and uplift.