John E. Goralski is an award-winning journalist & photographer, a publisher, and the father of a son, named Jack, with autism who was diagnosed in the early 2000’s. John’s book, "Parent in Crisis: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Special Needs Home" traces his journey from struggle to peace. The book explores what it feels like to be an overwhelmed parent, & he tries to offer insights into the unique insecurities, social problems, and obstacles that must be overcome by these families. The book explores the way his family navigated communication barriers, divorce, public education, vacations, puberty, love, & even the death John’s unique ability to combine his real-life experience and education with introspective thought-analysis, helps provide a smart and creative road map for living a peaceful and purpose-driven life despite the inevitable emotional hazards that special needs parents face

Koya M. Bakare, U.S. Queens Ambassador 2025. Koya is a force to be reckoned with—an educator, state and national pageant queen, and sought-after guest speaker who captivates with her powerful blend of wisdom, grace, and charm. Her journey is one of triumph - a survivor of sexual assault, bulimia, and two suicide attempts - having graced the pages of Vogue, Essence.com, InStyle, and numerous other publications, Koya will debut her first solo authored book, The Discipline of Love, a guide centered on intentional self-love and healing. Through her platform, she supports others to reclaim their stories with courage and grace. Her awakening began when she stopped hiding in silence and chose to stand fully in her truth. Koya no longer let her past define her; instead, she used it as a foundation for hope and healing. Her favorite proverb is : "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do you no harm".

Robert Don’s memoir explores what he knows of his mother’s teenage life as a Schindler’s List survivor. The book also confronts Intergenerational Trauma (“Second Generation) and holocaust survivor trauma, manifested in hatred as a form of racism—how it can begin, what it can do to us and how we can reconcile even amidst the reach of darkness. Rob had a second awakening when his mother made Shimmas (meaning peace in Yiddish) with his German stepmother whom she hated, when his stepmom became his Mom’s primary caretaker on his Mom’s death bed, Rob believes that intergenerational trauma due to the holocaust may impacts of millions of people and that we can't change behavior unless we have an awareness of the behavior. everyday to want the following. He says "That What Brings Us Together Can Overcome What Pulls Us Apart."