FESTIVAL PRESENTERS
“Everyone’s Favorite Teacher”
Rekia Beverly is a proud graduate of Florida A & M University and Nova Southeastern University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a teacher, award-winning children’s book author, entrepreneur, and founder dedicated to empowering students and educators through literacy and authentic storytelling.
After beginning her teaching career, Beverly experienced a defining “aha” moment while reading to her class. She realized that although many books center on students’ experiences, very few highlight the heart, perspective, and growth of the teacher. Inspired to fill that gap, she created the Mrs. Ashbury book series; stories that portray a teacher as positive, vibrant, and welcoming while offering meaningful lessons for readers of all ages. Many of the experiences Mrs. Ashbury shares with her students are modeled after Beverly’s real-life classroom encounters. Through her work, she emphasizes that learning is lifelong and that teachers, like their students, grow, reflect, and evolve throughout the school year.
Beverly is recognized as the first African American woman to publish a children’s book series centered on a Black woman teacher as the main character, expanding representation in children’s literature.
An accomplished author, Beverly has received numerous accolades, including two Storybook Monsters, LLC awards in Cultural Diversity (Mrs. Ashbury Teaches Black History) and Health and Wellness (Mrs. Ashbury’s Hero). She is also a recipient of the Literacy Is a Legacy Award from the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival, the Spectrum A+ Teacher Award, the Student Choice Award with Readers Are Leaders presented by KeClassroom, and the Rising Star Award from the City of New Smyrna Beach.
Additionally, she was featured in the rePresent photo exhibit, now known as Cultuvue, curated by Kenneth Grant Inzpirations and presented nationally in recognition of her work as an educator.
Rekia Beverly has appeared at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion, Momference, Barnes & Noble events, the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival, and has been featured on news stations and in various newspapers. Through every platform, she continues to champion literacy, representation, and the powerful stories found within the classroom.
Join the Worlds of S.E. Smith at sesmithfl.com
S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times, USA TODAY, and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. Spanning genres from science fiction and fantasy to paranormal and contemporary romance, her work captivates readers of all ages. A true dreamer at heart, S.E. specializes in creating immersive worlds that whisk readers away, always grounded by her firm belief in a ‘Happily Ever After.’
S.E. Smith also paints
PeTika Tave is an award-winning educator, author, and literacy advocate who believes that children are beautiful and brilliant, inside and out, just the way they are. A National Board Certified Teacher with nearly two decades of experience, she was recently named a Finalist for Duval County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, recognized for her commitment to whole-child learning and student confidence.
She is the Founder and Principal Author of BayaBooks and More, a literacy-focused company dedicated to creating high-quality, engaging books and experiences that affirm children and strengthen families. Through her work in schools, libraries, and community spaces, PeTika blends her classroom expertise with her passion for literature to support children’s social-emotional growth, and love of reading.
Michelle Lizet Flores is a graduate of the FSU and NYU creative writing programs, a poet and educator living in Jacksonville, FL and a 2025 Craigardan Literary Arts Resident. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in Islandia Journal, Gardan Journal, and Women Studies Quarterly. A finalist for the Juan Felipe Herrera Award for Poetry, she is the author of the chapbooks Cuentos from the Swamp and Memoria, as well as the picture book, Carlito the Bat Learns to Trick or Treat.
Her short fiction can be found in the anthology, Places We Build in the Universe through Flowersong Press. Her first full-length collection of poetry, Invasive Species, is available through Finishing Line Press.
Michelle, a Teach For America alumna and 2026 Duval County Teacher of the Year Finalist, serves as the Department Chair of Creative Writing at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. With fourteen years of experience, she is a dedicated ‘artist teaching artists’ who remains passionate about nurturing the next generation of creative voices.
Producer, Director, Editor & Digital media Innovator
Frank B. Goodin, II, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, AI consultant, and professor in the School of Communication at the University of North Florida. With over 20 years of experience bridging storytelling, technology, and education, Frank has become a trailblazer in the rapidly evolving world of media.
Frank has earned numerous accolades for his independent films and productions, celebrated for their cultural impact and emotional depth.
Now, through his company AI Insights, Frank empowers creators and organizations to leverage cutting-edge tools for content creation and strategy in the digital age. His passion for merging creativity with technology is contagious, making him a sought-after mentor for aspiring storytellers.
At UNF, Frank guides students in mastering digital video production and effects using AI-powered tools, and many have gone on to win Emmy Awards themselves! Whether on campus or in the industry, Frank’s innovative spirit and commitment to storytelling leave a lasting impact.
Mariah Jones grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Duval County Public Schools for her K-12 Education. She graduated from Stanton College Preparatory School and continued her education at Florida State Community College at Jacksonville receiving an AA degree. After leaving FSCJ she graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Mariah has been a Florida public school educator for 10 years teaching mainly math and science. She has had the amazing opportunity to teach at the Elementary School that she attended as a student.
Mariah has been the owner of the Literary Lounge since June of 2024. The Literary Lounge is a bookstore in the heart of Murray Hill. The Literary Lounge offers books of all genres, including new and used books. The store recently expanded to the unit next door for more event space. This has allowed the store to offer more space for community events such as local author showcases, showing licensed art house films in collaboration with a local business, vendor markets, workshops, book clubs, hosting nonprofit events, and more.
Who is the enthusiastic author who writes inspiring poetry and children’s books? She’s Brianna Ellis from Queens, NY! Brianna fell in love with poetry as a young girl and diversified her passion as a rap lyricist. Her skillful writing led to a career in journalism, after graduating from Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies. Brianna has pursued many creative endeavors along the way, including the creation of her streetwear brand, Mornin’ Coffee. In addition to her debut poetry book Eternally You, Brianna has published multiple children’s books entitled: Sweet Sweet Brown Baby, Little Zion’s Big Dreams, I Deserve Daddy’s Love, Imani’s Inner Light and Zion’s Trip to Jamaica.
When she isn’t inspiring and empowering children, Brianna immerses herself in history and rich cultures around the world. Change Beyond Chapters (CBC) strives to inspire and empower every mind through transformational stories. Founded by Brianna Ellis, the organization uplifts readers through storytelling while sparking creativity, confidence, and a love for learning. Through educational workshops, author visits, and community initiatives, CBC promotes literacy, growth, and personal empowerment — helping every reader turn each page into purpose.
https://SouthernDragonPublishing.com
https://JolenesBooksandMore.com
https://authorlillianjgreen.blogspot.com
Jolene MacFadden is the author of three historical romance adventure novellas and ten non-fiction books, with more on the way. She is currently deep in the world of Victorian-era intrigue and steampunk mystery, writing her “Adventures of Janie and Diane” series, a work that crackles with adventure, wit, and a little bit of danger. Her historical romance will also appear in a First Coast Romance Writers anthology before summer 2026. As a working fiction author, Jolene understands firsthand what it means to build a readership from scratch in a noisy digital world.
That real-world experience is backed by more than 30 years in digital marketing and website design.
As owner of Southern Dragon Publishing Services, she has guided 100+ authors through the often-overwhelming process of building an online presence, finding their audience, and turning followers into readers. She hosts “Jolene’s Book and Writers Talk” podcast, presents author marketing workshops across Florida, and moderates the monthly Writers Marketing Coalition through the Writers Alliance of Gainesville.
Her workbook, 30 Day Social Media Challenge, distills decades of marketing know-how into a practical, day-by-day action plan designed specifically for authors who are just getting started. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just clear steps that actually move the needle.
Jolene is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Mass Communication at the University of Florida, because she believes the best practitioners never stop learning.
WORKSHOPS
Super Story Writing Workshop – Brianna Ellis
This workshop is geared towards 6–12-year olds, but all are welcome to attend. Join author Brianna Ellis for a fun and inspiring Super Story Writing Workshop that encourages children to use their imagination, build confidence, and explore the power of storytelling. Through engaging activities and creative expression, participants will learn the fundamentals of writing and illustrating their very own short story.
- Led by award-winning children’s author
- Interactive writing exercises with continued guidance & encouragement
- Story sharing circle
- Each participant receives giveaway prizes
Registration Cost: Free (Donations are welcomed)
Becoming an Authopreneur: Designing the Career You Dream Of – S.E. Smith
Most writers dream of creative freedom. Few are shown how to build it. In this engaging workshop, New York Times/USA TODAY and International award-winning author, S.E. Smith shares the journey from writer to authopreneur—what it truly means, why it matters, and how to begin building a sustainable, fulfilling author business without losing your creative spark.
You’ll explore:
- The mindset shifts that changes everything
- How to structure your writing as a long-term asset
- Ways to grow revenue without sacrificing heart
- Building community that supports you—and your stories
This 45–50 minute workshop is followed by 10–15 minutes of Q&A, offering attendees the opportunity to ask candid questions about business, creativity, and longevity in publishing.
Registration Cost: $20
MASTER CLASSROOM: Publishing Workshop – Presenter TBD
From Manuscript to Market: A Guide to Self-Publishing
- Industry professional instruction
- Resource packet included
- Limited to 15 participants
Secure one of only 15 spots in this exclusive, professional-led workshop designed to take you from manuscript to market, complete with a roadmap to jumpstart your self-publishing journey.
Registration Cost: $20
MASTER CLASSROOM: Marketing Masterclass – Jolene MacFadden
Building Your Author Platform: Social Media Strategies That Work
- Practical social media training
- 30-Day Social Media Challenge Workbook
- Limited to 15 participants
Elevate your digital presence in this hands-on, 15-person workshop where you’ll gain practical social media strategies and a dedicated suite of resources to help you build a high-impact author platform.
Registration Cost: $20