Donald James Smith, Jr.
Philadelphia, PA
Writer: A Not So Easy Road

Donald James Smith, Jr. is an actor, director, playwright, producer and Founder of Dream On Productions. Smith also plans to pursue an adjacent career in teaching and mentoring.




Nathaniel Upshaw, Jr.
Chicago, IL
Writer: Blossoming with Little Sun

Nathaniel Upshaw, Jr. is a graduate of Alabama A&M University. He received his M.S. in Information Systems from DePaul University and a Masters in Public Administration from Illinois Institute of Technology. Nathaniel is currently an Applications Analyst for a data optimization solutions provider.





DeVita Willie
Greenville, NC
Writer: Diabetes: Not a Good Look

DeVita Willie has earned her B.S. in Biology. She balances her time earning a M.S. in Biology, spreading knowledge throughout the community, and helping run her family’s businesses.



Dasheeda "DashDiva" Dawson is an up-and- coming Makeup Artist from NYC. She worked with MAC Cosmetics for several years and has taken the leap into full-scale freelance makeup artistry. She is also expanding her skills as a High-Fashion/Editorial Hair Stylist.







Gabriel Baker is a music producer, songwriter and family man. Gabriel also coaches basketball for the Urban Youth Association and is the Founder of City2Subs, a group that promotes health and fitness through basketball and helps student athletes prepare for college.






Trendsetter Rodnee Chuvalo is an aspiring Fashion/Celebrity Stylist with hopes of starting his own styling company and clothing line. A student at UNCG where he is majoring in Fashion Merchandising, Rodnee Chuvalo is already on the right track to make his dreams become realities.




Alena Baker
Claymont, DE
Writer: Manual Not Included

In addition to being a wife and mother of four, Alena Baker is the Founder and CEO of Momgul. Momgul is a business networking group for other mothers who double as entrepreneurs.





Stephanie Drye
Philadelphia, PA
Writer: Decorating Your Nursery on a Budget

Temple University graduate, Stephanie Drye is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from University of Delaware in Sociocultural Approaches to Education. Stephanie is also an artist and Owner of J3 Creations, specializing in children's art and children's illustrations.





Jimmy Vincent
Boston, MA
Writer: Slim Pickens

Writing since high-school, Boston native Jimmy Vincent recently graduated from North Carolina Central University with a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Journalism. He is now pursuing a career as an entertainment journalist and blogger.