Shakeema Funchess

Shakeema Funchess is an aspiring author who is making a difference in the lives of young readers with AI imagery. She is a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-law. She minored in Arabic and Islamic Studies. She is currently obtaining her Master's in Healthcare Administration at Southern New Hampshire University. Born and raised in bustling cities in New York, Funchess developed a love for writing and storytelling at a young age. In February 2023, Funchess began her career as a self-published writer, focusing on creating stories that would empower and inspire young readers. She drew upon her own experiences as an African American woman to create relatable characters using Midjourney AI that would help children understand the complexities of the world around them. Through her line, Adventures in Zen Books (AIZB), she actively promotes diversity and inclusion in her writing, and her stories frequently showcase characters from various backgrounds and cultures. Funchess has gained recognition for her dynamic and engaging style, which educates and entertains readers. Her stories often tackle difficult topics such as racism, discrimination, and prejudice, but always do so with a message of hope and resilience. She is also a dedicated advocate for literacy and education and has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of reading and writing skills among young people. She wants her books to captivate and inspire young readers, and she remains committed to creating stories that promote diversity, kindness, empathy, and understanding.

In 2023, Funchess released her first picture book, "The ABCs of Black History." It is a non-fiction book that explores the history and experiences of Black people in America, with a focus on key events and figures who have shaped Black history. Funchess' second picture book, "ABCs and the NBA," was also published in 2023. The book uses the alphabet to introduce young readers to the world of the Men's National Basketball Association (NBA).