IBPA Names Five ‘Innovative Voices’ for 2024–2025

The Independent Book Publishers Association has announced the five independent publishers selected for its 2024–2025 Innovative Voices Program. Now in its second year, the program “was created to recognize the contributions that independent publishers from marginalized groups are making to their respective communities, and to help increase the resources available to them,” according to the IBPA. 

This year’s innovators include Con Todo Press, a bilingual children’s publisher founded in Los Angeles by Mexican American entrepreneur Naibe Reynoso; Iskanchi Press for African Perspectives, established in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Nigerian-born publisher Kenechi Uzor; MathXplorers, a math storytelling endeavor in the Bay Area, co-founded by STEAM educator Gigi Carunungan; Shaherazad Shelves, a publisher of fiction by and about Muslim people, co-founded by Bangladeshi American editor Samiha Hoque; and Waub Ajijaak Press & Foundation, established by Cecelia Rose LaPointe, an Ojibway/Métis member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians. 

The five recipients were chosen from 20 finalists on the IBPA’s Innovative Voices shortlist. 

Each of the five will receive an IBPA membership and education, a $750 grant from IngramSpark, $750 to spend on IBPA book marketing programs, a scholarship to attend IBPA Publishing University, free printing for 250 books, mentorship from an industry expert, and additional free or discounted products and services. The program lasts from October 1 through September 30, 2025.

Altogether, 54 independent publishers applied for this year’s program. Those not selected may reapply in April 2025 for the opportunity to join a future cohort.