Meet the Authors

ERIK CAMPANO

Erik Campano both has reported, and been cited extensively, on religious corruption. A former New York and Connecticut host of NPR's All Things Considered and world news anchor at the public radio networks of France and Germany, as well as blogger at Patheos and columnist at the Columbia Spectator, he has written extensively on sexual misconduct and other kids of abuse and cover-ups in religion, universities, and other institutions.

Erik has been quoted in Newsweek, the Christian Science Monitor, and New York magazine, and won a Columbia University Service Award for contributing to the dialogue about sexual respect around campus. One of his academic interests is in studying PTSD and other health effects stemming from religious abuse and deception, particularly in crisis and post-crisis zones. Erik is currently pursuing his doctorate in medicine at the University of Milan, Italy, specializing in international emergency medicine.

ISABEL ESTEVIZ

Isabel Esteviz is a freelance writer and a former video editor for WSVN in Miami. Isabel has a passion for helping others and also participates in local Chicago programs such as Year Up and Back on My Feet where she serves as a mentor to young adults and has served as a contributing writer to raise awareness for these organizations.

Isabel is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago. She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband Charlie and their three children; Bobby, Benny and Brandon. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her family.

SHEILA TAYLOR-DOWNER

Sheila Taylor-Downer is a Certified Professional Coach. She founded Professional Prodigy, Inc. (PPI) a premier women's empowerment firm in January 1997, with the belief that she could make a difference.

Sheila is a motivational speaker, inspirational author and dynamic presenter that you won’t soon forget. She has spoken nationally and appeared on Radio Talk Shows. She received a Cambridge Who’s Who and Manchester & Madison Who’s Who among Executive and Professional Women award.

Sheila teaches with passion and her success as a Certified Professional Life Coach and speaker comes from helping entrepreneurs and business professionals find the courage and confidence to create their own definition of success.

In her bestselling book Motivated by Passion, Held Back by Fear provides the key to unlocking it all. It is a labor of love and has taken more than nine years to write. It is a non-fiction inspirational book that explores the elements of passion and the fears that prevents us from achieving our goals.

Women in Power: A Narrative of Triumphs and Defeats, is her 2nd release and reveals that no matter what the obstacle may be; through perseverance you can overcome anything. Her personal story is one of triumph through resilience, filled with chapters of first-hand knowledge on how to overcome barriers and reclaim personal power.

Sheila is a native Chicagoan and is a mother of beautiful twin daughters; BreAnna and Brittany Downer. She served as Area Governor for Toastmasters International; an organization helping others to develop their public speaking and leadership skills through practice. Sheila received one of the top awards received as an Area Governor; President Distinguished. Former member of the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) and National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She co-chaired 100 Women Networking, an auxiliary committee formed with the objective to support programs specifically in the area of Domestic Violence, homelessness and abuse against women and children.

Sheila has been a champion for many and has created volunteer opportunities that served the Chicago Elementary Public Schools, the American Cancer Society, Chicago Food Depository, Pacific Garden Mission (homeless shelter in Chicago), Teen Living Program (Homeless Teens in Chicago), Chicago Cares, Imani House (domestic violence shelter), and more. Her experiences have made her a champion of equality and a woman focused on improving society for women and children.

ROBYN WILLIAMS

Robyn Williams is the author of three bestselling novels, Preconceived Notions, A Twist of Fate and A Fool’s Paradise. Her works have been featured in Essence, Emerge, Heart and Soul, Ebony, and Ebony Man magazines. Actresses Angela Bassett and Vanessa Williams have both said through their agents that Preconceived Notions was a “delightful” read. Noted for her extraordinary talent for characterization, Robyn uses insightfulness and eloquent prose to highlight the capricious nature of relationships between men and women. She has written nearly ten fictional eBooks under various pen names. Because literacy is a strong passion of hers, Robyn uses her skills as an editor to collaborate on non-fiction projects for pastors, teachers and first-time writers. She founded The Bestow Foundation, a not-for-profit literacy organization dedicated to improving literacy skills of Chicago-area adults and families.

A trusted professional, Robyn is a Business Development Associate for a global member-based firm which supports sophisticated families of exceptional wealth by offering them education on best practices, governance and next generation issues as well as guidance on the selection of appropriate advisors. Having earned the trust of hundreds of wealth owners and family office executives in 22 countries, this remarkable firm helps families of extreme wealth master the unique challenges inherent to wealth ownership.

Additionally, Robyn serves as Program Manager for Operation Change Chicago, a community-based, not for profit which focuses on musculoskeletal disparities in African American and Latino populations. Robyn is currently working with a major Hollywood artist s agency to bring her third work of fiction, A Fool's Paradise, to the silver screen. A graduate of Tennessee State University, Robyn resides in Chicago and is thankful to be part of a thriving and dynamic Christian ministry where she continues to serve for more than ten years.