Rachel E. Cargle (she/her) is the founder of Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre and the author of A Renaissance of Our Own. A writer, entrepreneur, and philanthropic innovator, born and raised in Akron, Rachel is committed to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering spaces for critical dialogue, learning, and joy. Through her work, she invites readers and writers alike to engage deeply with literature that challenges, empowers, and inspires.

September Howat (she/her) is the Director of Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre, where she cultivates a welcoming space for community, conversation, and the celebration of marginalized voices. With a passion for literature’s power to inspire change, September curates books, programming, and partnerships that bring books and people together in meaningful ways.