Meet Our Authors
Brenda Bonuke Bogonko
- Novelist
- Cultural Bridge
- Storyteller
Brenda Bonuke Bogonko is a Kenyan-born, Spain-based author, educator, and poet whose work explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. Her debut bilingual novel, The Girl Who Wanted to Fly / La niña que quería volar, invites readers into the world of Pendo—a young girl navigating change, courage, and the search for home.
Brenda’s writing reflects the power of stories to bridge cultures and generations. A lifelong learner and global thinker, she draws inspiration from her African roots, her experiences living abroad, and her belief that language has the power to connect hearts across borders.
Paola Celeste Lopez
- Author
- Educator
- Poet
Paola Celeste Lopez is a first-generation Mexican American author, registered nurse, and proud daughter of immigrants from Southern California. Her two daughters, Vida and Maya, inspire her daily and sparked the creation of her debut bilingual picture book, Ya nos vamos a dormir / Now We Go to Sleep, co-authored with Valerie Butrón.
Paola’s writing celebrates family, love, and the everyday rituals that connect us across generations. When she’s not writing or working as a nurse, she enjoys running, photography, and exploring new places with her family. Her stories reflect her deep belief in keeping language and culture alive—one bedtime story, one book, and one memory at a time.
