Erica Naito-Campbell was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up next door to her Grandma and Grandpa Naito, who instilled in her progressive values of social justice and equality for all, as well as a profound personal connection with nature. She followed in her grandfather’s footsteps and attended Reed College, where she cemented a passion for learning, history, and the well-crafted word. Recently, she has worked on Oregon Rises Above Hate, an annual event highlighting AANHPI issues and community. She can often be found birdwatching and cultivating her backyard into a climate resilient refuge for animals and insects alike.