Kristen McCallum, UAlbany alum (B.A. 2013, M.A., English 2025), is an author, creative strategist and program architect. She credits growing up with the adventures of her Jamaican family as the beginning of her fascination with stories—and the many ways they can be shared.

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McCallum's debut novel, Free Girls, was published by Flatiron Books in July 2026. Bestselling YA author Sonido Reyes said, “This one is for all the labeled ‘bad kids’ who need someone to see the good in them. Full of heartache but never short on hope.”

In 2017, she founded SafeWordSociety, a creative initiative celebrating the depth and beauty of historically marginalized communities. ​As a consultant and thought partner, her work spans strategic planning, curriculum development, and public engagement, with clients including The Obama Foundation, Peoplmovr, and others advancing equity and impact. 

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Currently the Director of Operations for the New York State Defenders Association, McCallum lives in New York, where she writes, teaches, and develops initiatives that center community, storytelling, and transformation. In 2018, she was honored with the Harvey Milk Alumnus Award.

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​Cosponsored by the University at Albany Alumni Association, English Department’s Creative Writing Program and Young Writers Project, UAlbany’s Writing & Critical Inquiry Program (WCI), Honors College, Justice & Multiculturalism in the 21st Century Project of the School of Criminal Justice, and the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council.