Bachtyar Ali, born in 1966 in Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan, is an Iraqi writer whose works are shaped by his experiences in exile and the conflicts of his homeland. After becoming involved in opposition to Saddam Hussein's dictatorship during his studies in 1983, he turned to poetry and abandoned his geology studies. His literary breakthrough came in 1992 with "Gunah w Karnaval" (Sin and Carnival), which established him as the leading contemporary author of autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan. His works, including novels, poems, and essays, have been translated into many languages and have earned him international recognition and awards such as the Nelly Sachs Prize in 2017 and the Hilde Domin Prize in 2023.

Since the 1990s, Ali has lived in exile in Germany, where he enjoys the creative freedom to write without censorship. His works explore the traumas, suffering, and beauty of Kurdistan and life in exile. By writing in his native Sorani, he maintains a direct connection with his audience. Ali views exile as an opportunity to reinterpret identity, homeland, and freedom. His literary voice brings themes of humanity and hope to the forefront, making him an important figure in exile literature. His books are published in German by Unionsverlag in Zurich.

Jonas Baeck, born in 1981 in Cologne, studied acting at Folkwang University of the Arts in Bochum. His career includes engagements at the State Theater of Mainz, National Theater Mannheim, and Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg. Since 2011, he has been a member of the Cologne theater ensemble "Acting Accomplices," which he co-founded.

He has appeared in series such as "Club der roten Bänder" and "Lu von Loser" and in films like "Kleinstatthelden" and "Der König von Köln." He is also known as an audiobook narrator for WDR, Deutschlandfunk, and Perry Rhodan audiobooks. In 2022, he published his first book, "Wenn die Sonne rauskommt, fahr ich ohne Geld: Mit dem Roller nach Dublin," about his travel experiences.

Nele Holdack has been the co-editor of the "Andere Bibliothek" at Aufbau Verlag since 2024. As the lead editor for modern classics and classics, she was responsible for publishing works by authors such as Brigitte Reimann, Tillie Olsen, Hans Fallada, Victor Klemperer, and Mark Twain.

Shelly Kupferberg was born in 1974 in Tel Aviv and grew up in West Berlin. She studied journalism, theater, and musicology in Berlin. In addition to numerous contributions for ARD, she has been hosting cultural, literary, and social magazines (DLF Kultur and rbbKultur) for almost 30 years. Besides her regular live radio shows, she moderates concerts, readings, and conferences, as well as events for cultural institutions and festivals. Her literary debut "Isidor" was published by Diogenes in the fall of 2022 and appeared on the SPIEGEL bestseller list. Shelly Kupferberg lives in Berlin.

Marje Schuetze-Coburn is the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and the Feuchtwanger Librarian at the USC Libraries. During her time at USC, Schuetze-Coburn has worked in various positions, including Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Dean of Research, Director of Special Collections & Archives, and Senior Associate Dean.

Michaela Ullmann has been the Head of the Instruction and Assessment Division and leads the Teaching & Learning Department of the USC Libraries since February 2023. From 2006 to 2023, Michaela managed the Feuchtwanger Memorial Library at the USC Libraries.