masthead
KIAN DIERKS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kian Dierks (he/him) is a mixed-race poet from San Francisco, California. His work has been recognized by GIGANTIC Sequins, The Live Poets Society, and The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. A high school senior, he is the founding Editor-in-Chief of AYLJ. He Acknowledges his older sister, Kaya Dierks, for general website creation advice
KRISTINE NARVIDA | STAFF ARTIST
Kristine Narvida (she/her) is a Latvian academic visual artist. She graduated in 2006 as a Magister at the Latvian Art Academy in Riga. She lives and works in Germany in Berlin and is mother of four daughters. She is an active member of the Brandenburg Association of Artists and the winner of prestigious art awards. She presents her fine artwork throughout Europe and globally with online galleries. Kristine prefers working with oil on linen, using models as her subjects.
Ariadne Alexis Macquarie| SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Ariadne Alexis Macquarie (they/she) is a self-described “Appalachian expat” from Western North Carolina living in Flagstaff, Arizona. While not writing, you can find her backpacking, bouldering, or drinking frightening amounts of espresso. They are a 2023 graduate of Roanoke College. She is the founder, editor, and girlboss of On Gaia Literary Magazine. Her poetry can be found in Black Fox Literary Magazine and elsewhere. You can find them on Instagram @ari.macquarie and on YouTube by searching for Ariadne Macquarie.
Femi-Akinwande Treasure| SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Treasure(he/him) is a 21 year old with an immense passion for telling stories and dispersing information through inspired writing. As a kid, he read a lot of popular kid authors' books and has since garnered more experience as a writer. He received a star rating as a group leader during his project for his writing bootcamp, which was held by SIDE HUSTLE. As a pharmacy student, he previously was a health writer, talking about how little changes in lifestyle can improve well being and mental health. He has also proofread two books and is already writing his. Treasure is always inspired for the future and looking to achieve more things than before.
Amy Aranca| STAFF READER
Amy Aracena(she/her) is a Dominican high school senior that has a fond admiration of the Anthropocene Era. She currently is in the works of creating a blog that revolves around her love for reading and her life. She lives in New York City, and works alongside her school on providing a better environment for book lovers.
Anna Welter| STAFF READER
Anna Welter(they/she/he) is a queer, neurodivergent author who writes under the name of Odi Welter. They are currently studying English and Film at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. They have been published in several literary magazines including Broken Antler, Crest Letters, and Voidspace. When not writing, they are exploring their borderline unhealthy obsessions with fairy tales, marine life, superheroes, and botany. Find them on Instagram @o.d.i.welter.
David Coppin Lanegan| STAFF READER
David Coppin Lanegan(he/him) is a musician and writer living in rural Washington state. He is the two time recipient of his local AAA Journalism award.
Anderson Butler| STAFF READER
Anderson Butler (he/him) is a 17-year-old aspiring part-time writer/poet from North Carolina. He is inspired by and an avid fan of musicians such as Ethel Cain, Lana Del Rey, and Fleetwood Mac. When not sleeping, Anderson can be found either reading, listening to music, and learning about art history.
Berha Irfan| STAFF READER
Berha Irfan(she/her), a 17-year-old grade 12 student in Pakistan, is a devoted Muslim who has spent most of her life in the country. Her exceptional linguistic talents have garnered her two national gold medals and one international bronze medal. She also has a deep passion for poetry and tries her own hand at it. In her free time, Berha indulges in romances, fantasies, and psychological thrillers.
Jeffrey Kunzweiler| STAFF READER
Jeffrey Kunzweiler(he/him) is a high school student from New Jersey. His work can be found in The Wight Journal and Prisms, among other places. He is an aspiring novelist, and has been working on a book draft since he was in middle school.