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UID:24d83916-d7c0-4828-9076-12dee974b5ae@nexttoyou
DTSTAMP:20261105T160422Z
DTSTART:20261105T213000Z
DTEND:20261105T223000Z
SUMMARY:Kristen McCallum\, conversation with UAlbany alum and YA author
LOCATION:Multi-Purpose Room\, Campus Center West Addition
DESCRIPTION:Kristen McCallum\, UAlbany alum (B.A. 2013\, M.A.\, English 20
 25)\, is an author\, creative strategist and program architect. She credi
 ts growing up with the adventures of her Jamaican family as the beginning
  of her fascination with stories—and the many ways they can be shared. Mc
 Callum's debut novel\, Free Girls\, was published by Flatiron Books in Ju
 ly 2026. Bestselling YA author Sonido Reyes said\, “This one is for all t
 he labeled ‘bad kids’ who need someone to see the good in them. Full of h
 eartache but never short on hope.”\n\nIn 2017\, she founded SafeWordSocie
 ty\, a creative initiative celebrating the depth and beauty of historical
 ly marginalized communities. ​As a consultant and thought partner\, her w
 ork spans strategic planning\, curriculum development\, and public engage
 ment\, with clients including The Obama Foundation\, Peoplmovr\, and othe
 rs advancing equity and impact. Currently the Director of Operations for 
 the New York State Defenders Association\, McCallum lives in New York\, w
 here she writes\, teaches\, and develops initiatives that center communit
 y\, storytelling\, and transformation. In 2018\, she was honored with the
  Harvey Milk Alumnus Award.\n\nCosponsored by the University at Albany Al
 umni Association\, English Department’s Creative Writing Program and Youn
 g Writers Project\, UAlbany’s Writing & Critical Inquiry Program (WCI)\, 
 Honors College\, Justice & Multiculturalism in the 21st Century Project o
 f the School of Criminal Justice\, and the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council.\n\nEv
 ent is free \n\nhttp://next-to-u.app/events/24d83916-d7c0-4828-9076-12dee
 974b5ae
URL:http://next-to-u.app/events/24d83916-d7c0-4828-9076-12dee974b5ae
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