»contributors Martha J. LaGuardiaKotite, writer
LaGuardia-Kotite is a commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and has served with distinction, earning many personal awards during her 22 years of duty. She is a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, journalist and author, writing books that celebrate inspiring stories of military veterans. She lives on Florida’s Emerald Coast with her husband and two sons. ▪ In this issue, LaGuardia-Kotite delves deep into the subject of human trafficking throughout the world, nation — even in the Panhandle of Florida — and what local groups and individuals are doing to solve the problem.
Sandra Starr, writer
Starr is the Senior Researcher of the Department of History and Culture at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. A Floridian since 1948, she attended both Florida State University and the University of Florida. She was also a staff member of Rowland Publishing from 1990–1996. “Indians! in the Post Office” is a project she initiated in 2009 to bring the American Indian side of the story to New Deal-era murals that depict them. She is working in collaboration with the National Postal Museum and the United States Postal Service in this effort. ▪ In this issue, Starr draws upon her research to write about Tallahassee’s Indian post office murals.
Gillespie is a senior at Florida State University where she studies English and International Affairs. When she’s not studying, she enjoys making people laugh, dancing, writing and exploring the city beyond the confines of campus. She hopes to attend law school and one day change the world for the better. ▪ In this issue, Gillespie shows us ways to make “gourmet” versions of that lunchbox favorite — a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Want to get published? If you’re a consumer and business writer and want get published, go to rowlandpublishing.com/jobs/ to submit your resume and work samples. 20 January–February 2014
tallahasseeMagazine.com
Photos by Scott Holstein (Kotite, Gillespie) and Courtesy Sandra Starr
Lauren Gillespie, writer