Vanessa Esquivido

Vanessa Esquivido (she/her/they) is an enrolled member of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, also Hupa and Xicana. Esquivido is the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria’s education director. Esquivido earned their PhD in Native American studies…

Cinnamongirl Serena G

Serena is fifteen years old and in the 10th grade. She enjoys reading, writing, learning foreign languages, singing, and learning to play the guitar. She is a staunch advocate for environmental justice and empowerment for girls of color.

Anatasia Kim

Cinnamongirl Samaiya

Cinnamongirl Samaiya is a fourth-grader who loves art of all kinds. Whether its through her writing, fashion, dancing or visual arts, Samaiya is obsessed with the various ways that she and others can express themselves. Samaiya loves to get…
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Cinnamongirl Aden

Aden is an avid reader. She also enjoys sewing, public radio and rainy days. At the persuasion of her mother, she has been doing improv at school and trying out new sports. She is excited to be participating in the Bay Area Book Festival again…

Cinnamongirl Talia

Talia is a proud Cinnamongirl. This is her second time moderating a panel at the Bay Area Book Festival. She is a seventh grader at a dual immersion school, where she is learning Spanish. Talia is on both the swim and track teams. She loves…
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Cinnamongirl Kamiyah

My name is Kamiyah and I’m a current 9th grader who's passionate about making a difference in the world. I currently serve as the Freshman Class Vice President at my high school, participate in Model United Nations, and run for my school’s…

Cinnamongirl Lea

Lea is an aspiring aerospace engineer. As a small child, her mother relocated their family from Arkansas to the Bay Area. Growing up in the Bay and becoming an A Better Chance scholar has provided Lea with a quality education inside and outside…
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Cinnamongirl Laila

Laila is an accomplished competitive dancer and cheerleader. This marks her third year as a Cinnamongirl and co-moderator for the Bay Area Book Festival, a responsibility she embraces with enthusiasm. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing,…

Cinnamongirl Neve

Neve is in fourth grade and loves photography, writing, and reading.