Partnerships & Collaborations
We believe meaningful change happens through relationships built on trust, shared values, and collective imagination. Our partnerships and collaborations allow us to expand storytelling beyond the page.
Partnerships:
Partnerships are long-term or ongoing relationships with individuals and organizations who work closely with us to shape our mission, programs, and creative projects.
Yuna Choe & The Perfect Bowl of Rice
Partners with ACC since 2024
Jessica Choe (author)
Jessica Jiwon Choe (she/her) is a New York-based author who fell in love with storytelling at The University of Chicago, where she met her illustrator and good friend, Celine Kim.
As an arts journalist for The Chicago Maroon, her articles on arts and food became some of the site’s most-read pieces.
Jessica continues that passion through her writing, creating stories that celebrate imagination, identity, and the joy of growing up.
Inspired by childhood favorites like The Berenstein Bears and timeless classics such as A Wrinkle in Time, she hopes to continue crafting stories that delight and inspire young readers.
Celine Kim (illustrator)
Celine Kim (she/her) is an illustrator based in New York City. At the University of Chicago, she studied studio art and computer science.
During the day, she works as a software engineer, and in between, is a freelance illustrator. Her current obsession is with children’s book illustrations! She is excited to finish her first book with Jessica!
Pamilya & Pancit
Partnered with ACC from 2024 - 2025
Fran Olegario
Fran Olegario (she/they) is the talented illustrator behind Pamilya and Pancit, a children’s book celebrating Filipino culture and the history of Pancit.
In 2021, Fran set a personal goal to illustrate a children’s book that shines a light on Filipino heritage. That dream became a reality in Spring 2024 when they joined the Pamilya and Pancit team.
“I’m incredibly honored to collaborate on this project. Working on this book has been healing for my inner child. Growing up, I never saw children’s books representing my family’s culture. I hope that Pamilya and Pancit reach Filipino families everywhere so they feel seen and included in children’s literature.”
Collaborations:
Collaborations are project-based or event-based relationships that allow us to connect with communities, schools, and organizations through shared programming, workshops, and storytelling experiences. These collaborations help us reach new audiences and co-create spaces for learning, creativity, and belonging.
The Collaborative: Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center, Washtenaw Country, MI
Daycroft Montessori School, Ann Arbor, MI