Speakers - Kindling Words

2027 Speakers

The most important people at Kindling Words are you–the attendees. The power of our retreat comes from the ideas we bring to the conversation, and the ideas we generate together. We are the tinder; we are the logs. We choose speakers to be matches, to ignite fires in our minds and hearts . . . but it is up to us to carry the glow.

Kindling Words East speakers each approach the theme from their own experience and perspective, delivering inspiring ideas that make a lasting impact on our work.

The theme for Kindling Words East 2027 comes from a quote from Dr. Edward De Bono: “Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”

2027 Kindling Words East Speakers

Alison Green Myers

Author Strand

https://megmedina.com/

Alison Green Myers is a passionate educator, novelist, and speaker. As the Program Director at the Highlights Foundation, Alison supports storytellers with fellowships and care throughout their careers. Alison is the author of the Schneider Family Award-winning A BIRD WILL SOAR and the forthcoming THIS WAY TO HAPPY (Dutton/2025). A National Writing Fellow and teaching artist with Bethel Woods’ educational programs, Alison is always happy to spend time in the company of curious kids! Alison lives in the woods of Pennsylvania with two extraordinary humans and two dear dogs.

Alvina Ling

Editor Strand

Alvina Ling is VP and Publisher of Alvina Ling Books, an imprint of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, where she has worked since 1999. She edits children’s books for all ages, from board books to young adult. The books she has edited include countless New York Times bestsellers and award winners, including Newbery and Caldecott Honors, Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Medals, New York Times Best Illustrated books, a National Book Award finalist, and more. Alvina has co-emceed the Carle Honors, given the Charlotte Zolotow Lecture, and received the Center for Fiction’s Medal for Editorial Excellence. She co-hosts the weekly podcast Book Friends Forever with author Grace Lin, and she lives in Brooklyn, with her husband and two cats.

Oge Mora

Illustrator Strand

Oge Mora is a collage artist and storyteller. Her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, Saturday won the 2020 Boston Globe—Horn Book Picture Book Award. Oge’s artwork has been applauded by The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She is also a 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister in Arts & Style.

Oge grew up in Columbus, Ohio but resides in Providence, RI. She is a fan of all things colorful, patterned, or collaged, and enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate people coming together.