Born to Puerto Rican parents, Nita Lipan's childhood was a beautiful dance between two worlds. During her formative years, she traveled between the mainland and the magic of the island, where endless nights of Lotería, the warmth of family gatherings, and the nightly chorus of coquíes filled her with wonder. Those precious times-filled with the songs of coquíes, family gatherings, and the vibrant spirit of the island-hold Puerto Rico forever in her heart.As Regional Education Program Director for UNIDXS WNC, Nita creates programs celebrating cultural identity across seven Western North Carolina counties. Through Nuestras Voces/Our Voices, she provides scholarships, field trips, and creative opportunities for K-12 students.A fantasy author with over 25 years in education, Nita has published "Solasta: The Highlander Fae" and has a second novel releasing in 2026. Whether writing about Puerto Rican legends or fantasy worlds, Nita believes in the power of stories to connect us to our roots, celebrate our cultures, and remind us that every voice-no matter how small-has magic.www.fenixrising.net