Bio:
Cassidy Paredes recently graduated from Liberty University with a BS in English and Writing. While in college, her passion and love for writing inspired her to publish her two books, Picture Perfect and Even This Will Fade, on Amazon. She is excited to start the next stage of her career with NYCTastemakers and continue growing as a writer and editor.
Bio:
Bryan Vallejo is an instrumental member of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Bryan attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College where he received his Associate’s in multimedia programming. He continued his education at the Institute of Pittsburgh for animation. Bryan has always had a passion for drawing and creating images so that they can come to life. One of his biggest accomplishments was the opportunity to illustrate “Cristian’s Journey” written by CRF Founder, John “Gungie” Rivera. Bryan is grateful for the potential that John saw in him, as well as his role in CRF.
Bio:
Caitlyn Taylor is a graduate from Calvin University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. With a long time passion for video games, TV, and movies, Caitlyn took to journalism as a way to understand the ins and outs of her favorite industries. Caitlyn is ecstatic to join the NYC Tastemakers team, with the hopes of improving her skills as a writer and broadening her experience.
Bio:
Emma Pearl is a twenty-year-old student from New Hampshire and a second-year Journalism & Professional Writing major at Keene State College. She has a strong passion for storytelling and creative nonfiction, with a particular interest in exploring and discussing social issues. Emma enjoys connecting with others and collaborating on ideas to ensure each piece of work is as strong as possible. Writing has always been one of her greatest passions, and she is eager to share her voice and ideas with the world.
Bio:
Jafari is a creative writing intern at the NYC Tastemakers organization. He is 23 years old and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. He currently attends Old Dominion University and is planning to graduate in the Spring of 2026 with a major in Media Studies. Most days, he finds himself working in a children’s retail store known as “Once Upon a Child”. During his free time, he enjoys writing stories, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. He is hoping to share his deep perspective and immense passion for writing with the world through his thrilling and engaging stories. His transition from being a timid, shy, young boy to an expressive and vocal young man is something that he hopes to capture through his writing as he continues to evolve into a more courageous and fearless person every day.
Bio:
Layla is an intern at NYCTastemakers and a current college freshman majoring in English. She has a strong passion for writing and enjoys reading in her free time. Layla also values spending quality time with her family.
Bio:
Samantha Woodruff is a graduate from Washington State University with a Bachelors in English and Technical Writing. An avid reader since childhood, she has always had a strong connection with storytelling and writing. Her interests include art, cooking, video games, and movies. Samantha is excited to join the NYC Tastemakers team and have a chance to share her work with a wider audience through this internship.
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