Long Bio (240 words)

Olga Herrera is a Cuban-Ecuadorian American author-illustrator whose creative work is deeply rooted in the vibrant places she has called home. Born in Miami and raised in Ecuador, Olga returned to the United States as a teenager, where her lifelong fascination with the arts took root. Today, she is a Ringling College of Art and Design BFA graduate and an award-winning visual storyteller based in Maryland.

Olga’s portfolio reflects her range and dedication to the craft. She is the creator of the heartfelt The Unwelcome Surprise (Macmillan, 2023) and the upcoming A Light for Lucinda (Charlesbridge, 2026), and the illustrator of Alice Alone (Amicus, 2025). As a visual storyteller, she is rarely without a pen, often reaching for a napkin to jot down a sudden "aha!" moment, then sketching it before the idea disappears.

A passionate advocate for the creative community, Olga co-founded ILLO CHAT, a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the professional illustration and kidlit publishing world. As a long-time SCBWI member and mentor for the MD/DE/WV region, she finds immense joy in guiding others. Whether she is teaching painting at local senior centers or mentoring aspiring authors globally, Olga believes in the power of sharing knowledge across generations.

Olga is the proud mother of two grown children and lives in Maryland with her husband. Her home is currently filled with far too many plants, all of whom serve as very patient listeners for her latest story ideas.