Meet Team Blog 2026
Happy Conference! I am so ecstatic for this year's event! I can't wait to see old friends, network and meet new people, get some valuable info from the breakout sessions, etc. But before we get started, how about we introduce ourselves!
MEET JOLIE
I’m a veteran teacher who works with writers at all stages to create meaningful, compelling stories for young readers. While I’ve taught privately and for many organizations, including the SCBWI, I’m excited to be teaching two upcoming certificate courses in writing for young readers through the University of San Francisco (online). Each year, I’m honored to host the SCBWI First-time Attendee Orientations at the SCBWI conference in New York (maybe I’ll see you there!), as well as the virtual conferences. It’s one of my favorite things. I’m also so proud to have been awarded SCBWI Member of the Year (2009). My short story “Ghosts Around These Parts” appears in the anthology The Haunted States of America. I’m represented by Kayla Cichello at Upstart Crow Literary.
*Jolie will be hosting the Orientation for First Timers on Saturday, Jan 17th at 7:15 AM - 8:00 AM.
"Come get the lay of the land and meet fellow newbies"
MEET JUSTIN
Hi, I’m Justin Campbell, author/illustrator and professional performer based in Brooklyn, NY. Graduate of Montclair State University with a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Art Studio & Design (Illustration), I now perform professionally, nationally, and internationally. As a visual artist, I love mixing visual and performance art, being inspired by my background in dance, movement, and theater. With the desire to be the “griot” of the family, I write stories that explore, and celebrate the interconnectivity, imperfection, and uniqueness of BIPOC people across the diaspora. I write for the child I was who struggled to navigate a world that did not see him and my greatest wish is to be a true storyteller OF and FOR the world, in the hopes of helping facilitate change for the future.
And our newest Team Blog Member—
SIBU T.P.
Hi! My name is Sibu T.P. I was born and raised in New York, and am the first-gen child of Indian immigrants from Kerala. I spent most of my childhood scribbling and sketching, dreaming and imagining. Today, I tell stories through picture books as an illustrator and as a writer. I studied English lit at SUNY Stony Brook and illustration at the Hartford Art School. My author-illustrator debut, "Home, Home," is available now. When I'm not in front of my drawing board, I'm taking pictures while hiking and running from squirrels.
