Meet the Executive Board

Liz Hicks
President/Founder

As a high school librarian, SE-YA Book Fest is the culmination of everything I love about my job; this is my Super Bowl. There is nothing better than seeing teens excited about meeting the authors of the books they love. These authors are ROCK STARS to them! Starting this festival is a dream come true.
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Agapi Theodorou-Shapiro
Vice-President

My first introduction to SE-YA was in 2019, when I attended the festival with a friend. It was wonderful to see so many students geek out over their favorite authors and have opportunities to talk about serious issues. As a teacher of writing and literature at Volunteer State Community College, I think this is just the kind of event that can inspire students and expand their horizons. I am thrilled to be a part of this team and community.

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Barb Collie
Treasurer/Founder

SE-YA started as a conversation in a car on the way back from Charleston, SC and that conversation has turned into the biggest literacy event in Tennessee specifically aimed at middle and high school students. SE-YA Book Fest means that students get to meet multiple authors from all over the world that they might never have had the chance to meet face to face. SE-YA Book Fest means that young people get excited about books and reading and writing!

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Emily Andrews
Secretary

As a writing instructor at Volunteer State Community College, I am thrilled at any opportunity to encourage literacy in the community. SE-YA allows me to fuse this passion with a hands-on experience for book lovers of all ages. I am excited to be a part of the SE-YA team and look forward to seeing the festival grow in the upcoming years. ​

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