RaQia has worked with children for over 20 years and loves being in their presence. She is the founder of Motivational Educators, a creative academic mentoring company for struggling students. She is known for her child-like sense of humor, love of music, dance, culture, creativity, and her delicious cakes and dishes. RaQia was born in Harlem, NY, and has two adult sons whom she affectionately calls her Boyz2Men. She writes chapter books and middle-grade novels with an urban voice geared toward reluctant readers and rhyming Picture Books. Fun fact! RaQia has an alter ego named Lady Lo who raps to motivate children to succeed.

Christian Paniagua, a native New Yorker, is a graduate of Pratt Institute where he received two degrees in Communication Design. Christian’s art flows from his urban roots, love for animation, comics, and educational background. His whimsical approach and distinctive blend of movement, colors, and emotions into artwork allow him the freedom to diversify his designs.