Funchess, Shakeema: - Shakeema Funchess is an inspiring author who is making a difference in the lives of young readers. She is a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and pre-law. She minored in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Born and raised in bustling cities in New York, Funchess developed a love for writing and storytelling at a young age. She has a master's in healthcare administration from Southern New Hampshire University. While completing her education, Funchess began her career as a writer, focusing on creating stories that would empower and inspire young readers. She drew upon her own experiences as an African American woman to create relatable characters that would help children understand the complexities of the world around them. She is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in her writing, and her stories often feature characters from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Funchess is known for her dynamic and engaging artistic style, which is both educational and entertaining. Her stories often tackle difficult topics such as racism, discrimination, and prejudice, but always do so with a message of hope and resilience. She is also a dedicated advocate for literacy and education and has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of reading and writing skills among young people. She wants her books to captivate and inspire young readers, and she remains committed to creating stories that promote diversity, kindness, empathy, and understanding.