Gina DiDesidero is a debut Chickasaw author, born and raised in the Tri-Cities, Washington. She grew up knowing she had Chickasaw roots and marveling at her Grandpa Cutchentubby’s name, but not having a personal connection to her tribe, until the Chickasaw Nation calendars came in the mail. The calendars opened a daily window into a vibrant, living community. Inspired to read every tribal story she could find, Gina discovering a profound connection with her heritage through storytelling. Today, Gina is proud to say Chickasha saya.

Gina earned a BA in Liberal Studies from Simpson University and a BS in Biological Sciences from Washington State University. She worked several “sciencey” jobs to justify the degrees, including internships at national labs, food inspector for the health department, and science teacher, always gravitating toward writing, even if it was the dry, technical variety. She wrote many articles, brochures, websites, research papers, and end-of-year exams before daring to step into creative writing. Now, as vice president of the Brevard Authors Society and critique group coordinator for the Space Coast Writers Guild, Gina fosters writing communities.

After marrying her high school sweetheart, Gina joined the Peace Corps, where she served the Mayan, Mestizo, and Creole people of Belize. What her village lacked in modern conveniences such as running water and electricity, it more than made up for in stories. She came to appreciate how history, story, and language connect us to culture.

Her service in Belize set the stage for a multicultural life abroad. Gina lived overseas with her family for over nine years in far-flung locations, such as the Marshall Islands and Saudi Arabia. She’s visited twenty-six countries to date. Currently, she lives in Satellite Beach, Florida, with her husband and three children—one with special needs, meaning flexibility is her superpower—and their Mini Australian Shepherd, Marshall. In her free time, Gina reads enough books from her nightstand to stave off death-by-book avalanche, explores new destinations with her family, and impersonates runners on the beach.