Testimonials
“I’m elated and honored to be a scholarship recipient! This is an amazing opportunity to grow and be supported as a writer while in community with seasoned professionals and peers.”
Catrice Greer, Full scholarship to the Her Spirit Story Summit
Biographies
Learn more about these past scholarship winners.
Full Scholarship to the Kauai Writers Conference
Daniel Eduvijes Carrera
Daniel Eduvijes Carrera is one of the most accomplished new voices in American Latino filmmaking. His work has been screened at prestigious festivals such as Tribeca, Guadalajara, Morelia, Huesca, and the Los Angeles Film Festival, and has also been featured in numerous art museums and on international television broadcasts. Daniel is the recipient of the Imagen Foundation Award, the top prize winner in Ovation TV's "Search for the Next Revolutionary Filmmaker," and was recognized as Best Latino Film Director by the Directors Guild of America Student Film Awards.
Words from Daniel:
“Now that the dust appears to have settled and the magic of Kauai sets in like a dream, I write briefly to express my absolute gratitude for being part of this year's writers conference. So much of it was more wondrous than I could have ever imagined. Studying under Pulitzer Prize finalist Luis Urea, connecting with a new community of writers who I intend to know if I continue to press pen to paper, and immersing myself in the Aloha that is Kauai amounted to an experience that was nothing short of transformative.
“When I finally woke up in my own bed a few mornings ago, the impact of your teachings and the conference dawned on me: ‘I am indeed a writer,’ I thought to myself and smiled. But no longer just a screenwriter/filmmaker determined to make a career in the industry, but also a poet, a memoirist, an essayist... I've been all of these since I got my literature degree from Berkeley many moons ago, but somehow, they felt lost along the way—until last week. Until Kauai.
From that deepest place of gratitude—THANK YOU. I look forward to staying in touch and returning the kindness should you ever require anything in this direction.”
Full Scholarship to the Her Spirit Story Summit
Catrice Greer
Catrice Greer is a Baltimore-based literary artist whose poetic work explores a wide range of topics, including mental health, trauma, healing, science, nature, astronomy, transcendence, spirituality, identity, heritage, and cultural ancestry. A 2021 Pushcart Prize Nominee, she served as a Poet-in-Residence at the Cheltenham Poetry Festival and was a Writer-in-Residence with Yellow Arrow Publishing. Catrice founded and taught a trauma-informed nature and poetry workshop series, reflecting her commitment to both art and healing. She was formerly the co-editor of Lapidus Magazine (UK), Guest Editor for Ice Floe Press, and a contributing writer and reviewer for Fevers of the Mind.
Catrice was actively involved in promoting mental health awareness, collaborating with organizations like Pro Bono Counselling and Behavioral Health System Baltimore. She was a trained Volunteer Mental Health Support Group Facilitator and a presenter for NAMI Metro Baltimore and HUT (Healing Us Together). Additionally, she served as a committee member and artist presenter for Healing City Baltimore.
Words from Catrice:
“I’m elated and honored to be a scholarship recipient! This is an amazing opportunity to grow and be supported as a writer while in community with seasoned professionals and peers.”
Dream On Scholarship for Writers at Age 50 or More at the Winter Story Summit
Susan P. Hunter
Susan P. Hunter is the acclaimed author of 77 Letters: Operation Morale Booster: Vietnam. With a deep passion for storytelling, Susan brings to life the poignant and personal narratives of soldiers during the Vietnam War. Her work has been praised for its emotional depth, historical accuracy, and the ability to connect readers with the experiences of those who served. 77 Letters is a testament to her dedication to preserving the stories of veterans, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of those who fought and the families who supported them from afar.
Susan's journey as a writer began with her fascination with history and her desire to explore the untold stories of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Her meticulous research and compassionate storytelling have made her a respected voice in the literary world, particularly in historical nonfiction.
In addition to her writing, Susan is an advocate for veterans' causes and often speaks at events to raise awareness about the lasting impact of war on soldiers and their families. Her commitment to honoring the sacrifices of veterans is evident in her work, making 77 Letters not just a book, but a heartfelt tribute to a generation of heroes.
Words from Susan:
“Receiving the Story Summit Dream On Scholarship proved to be a professional pivot for me and a realized dream eleven months later. Throughout my life, I had been encouraged to ‘write a book someday.’ Although the thought of authoring a book intrigued me, it remained on the shelf just out of reach as I was a numbers girl, not an English major. ‘Who am I to write a book?’ would be my prevailing thought as I allowed the idea to gather dust over the years.
“Although I believe it was my story’s potential to heal a hurting population that caught the attention of the Story Summit mentors more so than my writing ability at that time, the encouragement I received from the mentors was life-altering. The mentors’ collective professional accomplishments are unparalleled, only to be outshined by their genuine interest to see their mentees succeed. The Story Summit writers’ community is so welcoming and supportive, I immediately felt like ‘one of them.’ This feeling of community inspired me to shake off any lingering doubts and dive into this new space, leading me to realize a life-long goal and hopefully heal countless hearts and souls as a result.”
Full Scholarship endorsed by Reading is Fundamental to the Winter Story Summit
Mariah Mayhugh
“I have never let anything keep me down or stop me from achieving my dreams or goals, no matter how big or small.” As an epilepsy survivor and advocate, Mariah Mayhugh’s work is often shaped by her life experiences growing up with epilepsy. She is the author of the children's book Mimi: A Story About Absence Seizures, which won the Reading is Fundamental Children's Book of the Year in 2020. “Children’s stories may be the most important stories of all,” says Ed DeLeon, former Chief Program Officer for Reading is Fundamental. “It’s where young ones are introduced to love, hope, and imagination. Reading is Fundamental is delighted to encourage the storytellers of tomorrow, and especially Mariah Mayhugh.”
Despite the challenges of 2020, Mariah completed a year-long international internship (remote), serving as the executive assistant to the CEO of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She specializes in technical skills such as social media management, SEO, and Microsoft/Google-based programs. Mariah has a following of over 4.2k on TikTok and possesses a deep understanding and knack for consumer trends, marketing analytics, and video/image editing. With a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, she has studied a wide breadth of topics at the collegiate level, including communications, sociology, psychology, and marketing.
Words from Mariah:
“I have learned how valuable simple stories are to explain complex concepts,” says Mariah, who describes herself as an epilepsy advocate. “I never had this sort of book to explain what epilepsy was to me when I was diagnosed at age seven. There are no children’s books about absence epilepsy readily available, so Mimi is unique. I know it would help a lot of kids, teachers, and parents who mistake the seizures for daydreaming or bad listening.
“Attending the summit would equip me to write these books, publish, and market them to help thousands of kids. I would like to gain knowledge from professional writers and gain insight from peers who may or may not know anything about epilepsy. Obtaining insight from those unfamiliar with epilepsy but skilled in writing would be invaluable.”
Full Scholarship to the Winter Story Summit
Sean Michael Teague
Sean Michael Teague is an accomplished actor, writer, and voiceover artist, best known for his work in anime and video games. He has lent his voice to a variety of beloved characters, most notably in Dragon Ball Z and Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files. His versatile talent extends beyond voice acting, as he has also contributed to writing and screenwriting, showcasing his creative prowess across multiple mediums.
Sean is challenged by palsy and limited vision and now lives on disability. His newest screenplay, Mary Bailey’s Wonderful Life, an endearing pro-feminist look at the iconic Mary Bailey, has been optioned by Gary Lucchesi, President Emeritus of the Producers Guild of America.
Words from Sean:
“The Storyteller Foundation has changed my life.”
Full Scholarship to the Kauai Writers Conference
Dragan Veselinovic
Dragan Veselinovic holds a Ph.D. in film and media history and is a university teacher in film. His memoir, How Cancer Saved My Life, chronicles his battle with a rare cancer that led to the removal of his left eye and the harrowing 18 months of treatment. Despite the grim circumstances, the memoir is noted for its humor and resilience. “What is astounding,” says David Paul Kirkpatrick, “is how funny the material is. What could have broken anyone’s heart instead becomes a unifying element, bringing Dragan closer to his own humanity, his wife Jelena, and his four children and two grandchildren.”
Words from Dragan:
“Is there any better way to make a better world than through story? I am so delighted that Story Summit wants to hear my story. And is there any environment better to tell stories than a diverse environment with people of different races, religions, and sexual orientations? What this world needs most is empathy.”
Watch a video of Dragan in Belgrade.