OUR STAFF
Co-Founders/Editors-in-Chief
Kai Park & Jemma Kimelia
Rag Bag Magazine was born out of a 15 year long friendship between Kai and Jemma, two 16-year-old New Yorkers who met in day care. Kai is a writer and artist who loves poetry, painting, and hanging out with pigeons in the park. Jemma is an avid reader and writer of poetry who loves music, exploring different art mediums, and volunteering in her free time. Kai’s love of writing, journalism, and the arts and Jemma’s interest in social justice and outreach converged into the founding of Rag Bag.
Art Director
Melinda Qerushi
Melinda Qerushi (she/her) is 17 years old and resides in Southern California. Her favorite painting medium is watercolor and favorite storytelling medium is sequential art! She enjoys editing more than drafting, and fights the good fight against art block. Melinda also currently studies design and media in high school.
Sub-Editor
Sunny Li
Sunny (they/them) is a 15 year old poet living in New York City. They never take themselves (and their work) too seriously, and binge RuPaul’s Drag Race in their free time. Favorite poets of theirs include Chen Chen and Lucy Brock-Broido.
Sub-Editor
Bonbon Azizian
Bonbon is a 16 year old Afghan-American living in Turkey! They have worked on multiple zines as a moderator, and they enjoy writing short fiction and occasionally prose!
Sub-Editor
Sarah Belkas
Sarah is a 16 year old living in the US with Algerian immigrant parents. She has entered her writing and art (including zines and comic strips) for school exhibitions and enjoys drawing and painting in her free time, as well as writing fictional stories and poetry! She’s very excited to collaborate with the rest of Rag Bag as an editor and see everyone’s creative works.
Staff Artist
Cameron Barros
I’m Cameron Barros, but most people call me Cam. I’m a 17 year old artist in New York City and I love the color green. Like you don’t understand I’m in LOVE with the color green. Wedding date is April 1st and all attendees must wear green. I’m graduating from LaGuardia School of Art and Music this year and then I’m off to art school, where I’m planning to become an art teacher. Comic and notebook doodles are my passion.
Staff Artist
Banyu Bening
Banyu is a 19 year old Indonesian artist with a passion for fashion, history, and everything in-between. He's done illustration work for school magazines and official events and is now ready to bring that experience to Rag Bag!
Graphic Designer
Cathryn Lee
Cathryn is a 16 year old Chinese American living in New York. She enjoys salt and vinegar chips, and is often seen criticizing fonts in her free time. She runs her school’s art club and is experienced with advertising and web design.
Media Manager
Yuna Heath
Yuna is a 15 year old Korean American living in Boston. She is passionate about theater, singing, cooking, photography, and painting. She’s always making art and performing wherever she can. Yuna will be bringing with her the same level of passion to Rag Bag!