B. Sharise Moore is a multi-genre author, educator, curriculum developer, a Poetry Editor for FIYAH Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, and a proud mom. In 2020, she received the Sustainable Arts Foundation Award for YA Fiction. In 2021, she released Dr. Marvellus Djinn’s Odd Scholars a YA historical fantasy novel published by MVMedia. In 2022, she edited and published Conjuring Worlds: An Afrofuturist Textbook for Middle and High School Students. Moore is currently a virtual instructor and writing coach with The Hurston Wright Foundation.
Her forthcoming books include Fangs, Feathers, and Folklore, a middle grade field guide of African mythological creatures from Algonquin Young Readers/Hachette Book Group, Fatimah’s Fantastic City from Harper Collins and Golden: a Story of Yaa Asantewaa from Harper Collins in 2025 & 2026.
She lives in Baltimore, MD with her husband and their two children.
She is currently represented by Laurie McLean, partner agent at FUSE Literary.
B. Sharise brings her expertise in music and speculative fiction and poetry to Altair Ed.
Palestinian-American Educator with Over 20 Years of Experience Veteran Middle School Social Studies Teacher Dedicated to Promoting Equity and Inclusivity in Education. Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi is a passionate Palestinian-American educator with a career with a strong commitment to bridging cultures and fostering inclusivity, Abeer has made a significant impact in the field of education, both as a teacher and an education consultant. Abeer’s journey began as a veteran middle school social studies teacher, where she leveraged her personal experiences as a child of immigrants to connect with her students, schools, and communities. Through her dedication, she created a dynamic learning environment that inspired her students to thrive. Abeer’s expertise extends to curriculum development, as she previously served as a resource teacher in the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Social Studies. In this role, she led curriculum development efforts and provided vital support to fellow educators. She also played a pivotal role in fostering equity within the educational landscape. Abeer’s dedication to equity is exemplified through her role as an equity liaison and as the co-facilitator of an affinity group for teachers of color. Additionally, she created and facilitated a student support group that provided a safe haven for Arab and Muslim immigrant female students, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and support. She is a founder of the Arab American Educators’ Network and an active member of numerous teacher advisory groups, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Native Americans, EdLoc Culturally Responsive Social Studies Accelerator, and the National Arab American Women’s Association. Formerly the program director at Reimagining Migration, Abeer is now a full time educational consultant serving districts’ needs for social justice interventions at all levels. As a teacher educator, she has spoken at national conferences including National Council for Teachers of English, National Council for Social Studies, Association for Middle Level Educators, Welcoming America, Center for Black Male Educators, and various professional development events in various states. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Throughout her career, Abeer has collaborated with schools, cultural institutions, and publishers to develop curriculum, content, and activities that authentically represent the perspectives of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students and educators. Her work has been instrumental in creating inclusive learning experiences. In 2019, recognizing the need to provide educators with valuable resources and insights about Muslim and Arab youth, Abeer founded Altair Education Consulting. Through this endeavor, she has been offering educational materials, professional development, and engaging speaking sessions aimed at amplifying the voices and histories of Arab and Muslim American communities. Abeer has authored numerous education guides for ABRAMS Books and has shared her insights and experiences through conferences, podcasts, blogs, journals, and newsletter publications. Her goal is to continue working alongside educators to empower students to share their narratives, fostering global equity and justice.
Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi’s tireless dedication to education, advocacy, and inclusivity has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape. Her work serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators and students alike, as she continues to champion diversity, equity, and justice within the realm of education.
Lauren LaPorta is an ardent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion with a multifaceted career trajectory that has seen her evolve from a seasoned educator to a prominent student advocate and program coordinator. Her journey has been marked by a profound commitment to advancing equity in education, writing inclusive curriculum, and fostering inclusivity within academic environments, all with a special focus on intersectionality and queer advocacy. In this capacity, she has consistently championed the cause of underrepresented students, tirelessly working to break down barriers and create pathways to success for all.
Lauren LaPorta is an accomplished professional serving as the Student Advocate and Program Coordinator at Altair Education Consulting. With a decade of experience as a
public educator in Baltimore, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive learning environments and championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
principles.
Lauren earned her Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University, showcasing her commitment to the arts and literature. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Multicultural and Gender Studies at Morgan State University, she is deeply engaged in advancing scholarly insights that contribute to a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
Passionate about creating positive change, Lauren is an LGBTQIA+ rights activist who actively advocates for inclusivity and respect within educational spaces. Her advocacy
extends beyond the classroom, as she engages in content creation and collaborates with various stakeholders to promote meaningful dialogue and understanding.
In her role as a curriculum lead, Lauren brings a wealth of expertise in curriculum development, ensuring that educational materials are reflective of diverse perspectives and experiences. Her collaborative approach to work highlights her belief in the power of teamwork and collective efforts in driving positive change. As a dynamic and forward- thinking professional, she continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of educational practices that celebrate diversity and empower students to thrive in inclusive environments.
