Past Cohort

Dina Lusztig Noyes is committed to telling the story of those who struggle to be accepted and communicating the communal experience of growing up queer and anxious in the modern age. She wants to give a voice to her generation, and is dedicated to creating spaces for her peers to speak volumes. Her writing centers largely around the themes of mental health, gender, and growing up in her generation.

Gregory Souza is a math obsessed poet who rediscovered his love for poetry in high school. Before which, he had co-written a few books and written some short stories. He also loves expression in the form of paintings and other art mediums.

Madeline Aliah has been publishing poetry in the community since the age of 11. Her poetry chapbook, This Is My Body: Poems by a Teen Trans Fem, came out in January. She has found her voice as an advocate for Queer youth, and delivered a talk at TEDx Santa Cruz.

Simon Ellefson is a poet and artist from the San Lorenzo Valley. He has 2 very silly cats, and loves sharing stories and ideas through creative expression.