Summer 2025

When I was younger, I never really felt like I fit in. But through the power of storytelling—through science fiction and fantasy—I found my voice. These stories didn’t just offer an escape; they helped me see myself in new ways, imagine different possibilities, and shape my own identity. They showed me that the world could be bigger, more inclusive, and more hopeful than what I saw around me.

That’s why the Octavia Project means so much to me. I’ve been involved with this program since its beginning and have watched it grow into a nurturing community over the last 10 years. It gives young women, trans, and nonbinary youth the space to dream beyond the limits placed on them. Through writing, science, art, and technology, the program nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and confidence—all through the lens of radical imagination. It helps young people see that their stories matter, their ideas matter, and they have the power to shape the future.

Programs like this don’t just happen—they need support. A donation, no matter the size, helps provide students with stipends, creative materials, and access to mentors who can help them turn their dreams into reality. If you’ve ever found yourself in a story, if fiction has ever helped you see the world differently, I urge you to give.

Let’s help the next generation of visionaries find their voices—just like I did.