Jen is a widowed mom to four fantastic kids who keep her going and bring her tremendous joy. She works two jobs to stay afloat but mostly looks forward to reading, watching movies and snuggling. She loves taking trips with her kids and claims that anywhere with water is her happy place.

Steve Abaroa grew up in San Diego, California. He served his mission in the Indiana, Indianapolis mission before attending BYU where he met the love of his life, DeeDee. He taught high school English, Journalism and Theater in Gilbert, AZ for 37 years and is the proud papa of four boys. He currently serves in two of his favorite callings: the Gospel Doctrine teacher and one of the artistic directors of the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant. His and DeeDee’s love language is traveling. They’ve logged many many miles and memories both pre and post retirement.

Stacey Shaw is married and has four kids. Each completely individual, and yet equally amazing in their own ways… making life a constant adventure! Stacey received her bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in Elementary Education. She loves music of all kinds and an impromptu dance party is her favorite! Stacey enjoys “diving deep” on any topic, especially when discussing the Gospel. She knows that the stronger our foundation is, the brighter our understanding of the world and our Heavenly Father’s plan becomes.

DeeDee Abaroa is a native of northeast Arizona (her pioneer stock clearly got the short end of the ‘Mormon Migration Straw’) but grew up in Provo, Utah. After graduating from BYU she taught elementary school for 35 years in Payson, Utah and then Gilbert, Arizona. She adores her four boys and cherishes her 8 grandchildren. She loves meeting her global brothers and sisters in their world travels. She especially adores her “Stevie Wonder” who feeds her and takes care of her every wish and need.

Shiegrid Hernandez is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. She has worked for Deseret Employment for the last 7 years and now works at BYU. She has two daughters who keep her in her feet and loves spending time with them.

Emeobong "Eme" Martin is a native of the Washington, DC area and currently resides there with her husband of nearly two decades. They are the proud and favorite auntie and uncle of 10 nieces and nephews. They are also the self-proclaimed favorite figures in the lives of a handful of YSAs as they have served among them for seven years and currently preside over the Strathmore YSA Ward in the Washington DC North YSA Stake. Eme and her husband separately served in the Missouri St. Louis Mission where they first met before beginning the debate of who truly initiated missionary follow up thereafter. Eme currently works as the lead equity, diversity, and inclusion officer for a national nonprofit focused on providing a firm foundation for infants and toddlers. She earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Brigham Young University and a master's of public health from Saint Louis University. Eme was recently called to serve on the General Relief Society Advisory Council.

Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He earned a BA in comparative literature from Brigham Young University and an MA and PhD in philosophy from Villanova University. He is the author of nine books, including Speculative Grace, The Gospel according to David Foster Wallace, Letters to a Young Mormon, and An Early Resurrection. He also directs the Latter-day Saint Theology Seminar.

Ellie Smith was an intern for LDS Living and is from Boise, Idaho, (that's BOY-see, not boy-ZEE) and graduated from BYU with a BA in English and a minor in editing. She is always down for an adventure and has traveled to England, Iceland, Italy, France, and Spain. As an aspiring chef, Ellie loves trying new recipes and visiting unique local eateries. At the end of the day she likes to settle down with a good book and a box of Ferrero Rocher.

Kalo Latu is a concert musician, private music instructor, and adjunct professor at the BYU School of Music. She has concertized across the continental US, China, and Europe both as a soloist and with her students. She is a frequent lecturer, adjudicator, and mentor to developing musicians and teachers. Kalo is an avid reader, supporter of great performances (everything from Taylor Swift to brilliant interpretations of Bach), and lover of delicious food and enlightening conversations.

John Hilton III is a professor of Religious Education at BYU. He and his wife, Lani, have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem, and China. Currently, they live in Utah. John has authored several books, including Voices in the Book of Mormon: Discovering Distinctive Witnesses of Jesus Christ and Considering the Cross.