Kristine Harper is a hometown pet sitter, activist, and City of Tacoma employee.

William Hassert has hosted open mics in Tacoma and continues to write poetry about injustice.

Sandy was born in central Wisconsin and has resided in Tacoma, WA since 1989. "To my understanding, the heart of art is communication, and the heart of communication is connection; it is my belief that any connection worth troubling oneself to make, in its most valuable manifestation, is born of love."

William Kupinse is Associate Professor of English at the University of Puget Sound and was Tacoma's first Poet Laureate from 2008-2009. Kupinse has recently collaborated with composer Greg Youtz and mezzo-soprano Erin Calata to produce a CD of ten poem-songs titled Poetry Above the Roar.

Dawn was involved in the restoration of the Pantages Theater and efforts to save The Murray Morgan Bridge.

Elijah Muied is a spoken word artist, writer, and producer. He has been featured at many events in Seattle as well as being casted in Slam Town, Voice of the Americas, and Projectiles.

Jennifer writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction with work in anthologies, magazines, a letterpress print and in the award-winning pop-up book, SNOWFLAKES. She's honored to be included in this project and hopes to connect with you at www.byJenn.com.

Judith Cullen is a local artist with over 25 years of experience in theater and opera. In 2013 she began writing short fiction, essays and poetry. Visit her at jdcstoryteller.blogspot.com.

Brian Desmond has worked as an actor, director, writer, and professor. He was born in Cyprus and has lived in Iran, Ecuador, Madagascar, Okinawa, England, and in numerous cities throughout the United States, including ten years in Tacoma.

Josie Emmons Turner was the 2011-13 Poet Laureate for the city of Tacoma and is a high school educator. She published a poetry collection titled "Sarasvati Takes Pegasus As Her Mount".

David Fewster is a poet, musician and vendor of used books. David had been a Tacoma resident since 1996.

Michael Haeflinger is a poet and artist from the Midwest. He lives in Tacoma.

Dale King is a lifetime railroader with over forty years' experience in the industry. He is currently the Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer of municipally-owned Tacoma Rail. His latest venture is the production of a poetry festival as part of Tacoma Arts Month in October 2015

Ann MacKenzie is a teacher in Kent, Washington. She works at a school where over 38 languages are spoken. Some of her poetry focuses on experiences with these students.

Joy Misako St. Germain has been writing poetry and acting in the theatre since she was a young girl. Joy works as the Human Resources Director for the City of Tacoma.

Shari Shelton is a writer and has edited and published anthology's for writers who examine Christian spirituality in contemporary life.

Lucas is the 2013-15 Tacoma Poet Laureate and launched "The Laureate Listening Project."

Dwayne is a regular participant in Tacoma Public Library's StoryLab, creating original beats and raps. When he heard about the listening project the day of the event, he created an original piece within two hours and recorded that same day.

The Summer at Peace Youth Leadership Class decided to take on the issue around stereotyping in their schools. This team poem represents their response to the stereotyping that they have experienced in high school and reclaiming of their identity on their own terms. Since they come from high schools throughout Tacoma, we have identified the place where they gave voice to their identities: at Peace Community Center in Tacoma's Hilltop Neighborhood.

TDH is a member of 2012 and has spent most of his career giving a voice to justice through hip hop. He often uses elements of his own story to inspire others.

Josh Rizeberg is a spoken-word poet, M.C., father, and a member of Hilltop Build And Destroy.