Kelsey Bigelow

Kelsey Bigelow is a poet and speaker based in Des Moines. She spends her time working as a mental health poet, sharing this therapeutic tool with audiences of all ages across the world. She is the author of three poetry books and a spoken word album and is published in many journals. As a multi-slam champion, teaching artist, workshop leader, and more, Kelsey is on a mission to show others two things: 1. You can live the life you dream, and 2. It does get better.

Abena Sankofa Imhotep

Abena Sankofa Imhotep is an award-winning author, transformative thought leader, and the Executive Director of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group which creates spaces for lifelong learning that center the literature and scholarship of Black authors. Leading conversations around racial equity and organizational awareness around the country, Abena is an active advocate for education, justice, and humanitarianism.

Abena has presented human rights papers on social impact & responsibility and strategies for achieving racial justice at the Nelson Institute Global Citizen Forum, the Iowa Human Rights Research Conference, and University of Notre Dame Kroc Institute. Abena founded Sankofa Literary Academy in 2021 to expand children’s access to diverse books across the United States. Additionally, Abena serves on several boards of directors, is an International Relations major at Drake University, a TEDx speaker, and author of the beloved children’s book, Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe.