Carlie is a law student, author, community advocate, and designer dedicated to justice and equity. She began her undergraduate education in peninsula-based community colleges, earning four Associate’s degrees, before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Rhetoric and a certificate in Paralegal Studies. Carlie has dedicated her life to serving low-income communities of color, majority of whom are impacted by systemic discrimination and structural bias, struggling with basic needs (i.e. housing, food, warm clothing, internet access, etc.) while trying to receive an education and achieve upward mobility. Carlie is dedicated to eradicating oppression, advocating for the progression + protection of human and civil rights, and manifesting the future she wants to leave behind for others. Carlie centers herself by writing, painting, meditation and yoga, spoiling her service animal, and cooking. 

Lena is a dynamic and compassionate educator, a lifelong learner, and a voracious bookworm. She studied Child & Adolescent Development, English Literature, and Humanities at San Jose State University while working in the nonprofit education sector. After graduation, Lena became a certified teacher and has taught both Math and English Language Arts at the high school level. Throughout her studies and service, Lena has built coalition and community among diverse communities, supported the development of empathy and solidarity between people, and encouraged enthusiasm and accountability in building an equitable and sustainable world for all. In addition to reading, Lena cultivates balance and serenity by cooking, cuddling her pets, yoga, jazz, and journaling.