DR. YUMIKO SHIMABUKURO is an award-winning educator from Okinawa, Japan. Known as “Professor Yumi” by her students, she directs an academic program and leadership development initiative at Columbia University. Dream Rut is inspired by the countless tales of struggle and aspiration shared by her students, colleagues, family members, and strangers as well as her ongoing relationships with her own dreams.
JIEYU DENG is an illustrator and designer from China. She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2018 with an M.A. degree in illustration. After that she has worked on many types of projects in the US. Most of her works are inspired by all the subjects around her, especially nature, her hometown, and people she has met. Her illustrations received some awards and recognitions through Spectrum Fantastic Art, Creative Quarterly, 3x3 Magazine, Applied Arts Awards, iJUNGLE, and more.
