The Bolo Tie Collective is a SAMU student club whose mission is twofold: to bridge the gap between the students of the English and Communication Studies departments of MacEwan University and to foster a community within the broader MacEwan student body, comprised of those passionate about the process of creative writing.  The heart of the club, our creative writing circle, spawned the first anthology in 2016.

We call ourselves a community because we want to be that – a space where students with an interest in creative writing and editing can network, make connections and friends, and learn and practice new skills.

The Executives

Jayden Tobert – President

I’m an author, amateur film photographer, travel lover, English major, and Creative Writing minor. I have a chronic book-buying problem! I love to read, but I’m a slow reader so my physical TBR is always massive. I joined the Bolo Tie Collective to grow as a writer, gain editing experience, and collaborate with my fellow writers! I love writing fantasy, creative non-fiction, and short fiction, with a focus on communicating specific feelings and emotions. I’m an aspiring novelist and would love to work in editing and publishing. I’m incredibly honoured to be president and to help foster an inclusive creative community. 

Fun Fact: I will always show you pictures of my cat, Calvin, upon request 🙂 

Favourite Books: Fourth Wing, A Court of Mist and Fury, The Outsiders 

Jo Clark – Secretary

I’m in the final semester of my Professional Communications degree and am excited to finish up my academic work so I can get back to exploring creative storytelling. I look forward to a future career in editing, writing, and/or audio production.

Favourite Book: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Favourite Movie: The Princess Bride

Nonzwa Dlamini – Treasurer

Caroline Smith – Vice President of Publishing

I am a book lover, and writer studying English and Creative Writing in hopes of working in the publishing industry. Hopefully, I’ll be publishing my own work, but I’d be more than happy to help others publish theirs. I started at MacEwan University hoping to join The Bolo Tie Collective, and I can’t express what it means to be the VP of Publishing. I’m not really great at talking about myself so that’s all you get; thanks for coming to my TEDTalk. 

*will read anything where the enemies become lovers*

Favourite Book: Slewfoot by Brom

Favourite Movie: Howl’s Moving Castle

Cait Erlenbach – Lead Editor

Hi, everyone! I’m a queer, AuDHD author, editor, and avid reader, writing under the pen name Cait Yaga. I joined The Bolo Tie Collective as a Substantial Editor and Proofreader in 2023 for the VIII anthology, and am now entering my second year as the Lead Editor. I’ve written three novels and am working on getting published! Career-wise, I plan to be an editor or open my own literary or publishing studio. I have a very floofy tuxedo cat named Sushi (I will gladly show you pictures if you ask). In addition, I am interning with Laberinto Press as an Editor for their “Beyond the Concert Hall” anthology. I am ridiculously passionate about all things editing, so if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Publishing History: I have been published in two anthologies. My poetry piece, “Time,” and flash fiction piece, “Perhaps Tomorrow,” were both published in The Bolo Tie Collective Anthology IX (2025), and my short story, “The Plainest Door,” was published in the War of the Words Volume II (2025).

Favourite Books: The Poppy War trilogy by R. F. Kuang, Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou, I Cut My Tongue on a Broken Country by Kyo Lee, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab.

Alberto Tadeo – Campus Engagement Coordinator

Georgia Peace – Communications Department Ambassador

Ashley Alton – English Department Ambassador

Being a secret creative since I was a child, I decided to change my direction in University from Psychology to English and Creative Writing. I hope to add to my writing skills by taking stand-up comedy, sketch-writing and theatre classes.

Favourite Book: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola-Estes

Favourite TV Series: Frasier

Uche Osineme – Student Engagement Ambassador

I am an aspiring author/filmmaker, animal lover, mythology nerd and, if you ask my friends, professional Yapper. I’m a fourth-year professional communications student with a minor in film studies. Joining The Bolo Tie Collective as a student engagement ambassador gives me the chance to share the collective’s events and connect with students across campus who might not have had the chance to join this amazing creative community.

I currently have a few works in progress—a good number of poems and a fantasy novel. One day, I’d like to step outside my comfort zone and write a murder mystery. As a reader, I have a soft spot for fantasy novels, especially anything involving a little mystery and reinventing tropes. 

Fun Fact: I am a huge TTRPG nerd, and I am currently working on an Arcane-inspired Blades in the Dark Game.

Paige Reed – Student Engagement Ambassador

I’m a neurodivergent writer and academic who adores studying the ancient Graeco-Roman world and English literature. As a 4th-year English major and Classics minor, I’m combining my two passions through The Bolo Tie Collective! Being a Student Engagement Ambassador allows me to advocate for diverse student voices to be heard, and promote the collective to those who may not have thought there was a place for them in the writing community. 

As a reader, I have a soft spot for fantasy books, especially those that involve dragons! However, in 2025 I am working really hard to diversify my reading and consume as much variety as I can! My writing reflects this as I tend to write poetry, flash fiction and short stories that jump genres. I write creative fiction, but also non-fiction stories that explore topics including the LGBTQ+ community, mental health, motherhood, and more! I am so thankful that the Bolo Tie Collective has given me a safe space to read and share my writing. 

Chloe Camara – Vice President of Communications

I’m a third-year Professional Communications student with a minor in Graphic Design. I enjoy reading cross-genre works that blur the lines between horror, magical realism, humour, romance/erotica, and folklore. And children’s literature—picture books and middle-grade novels. 

Favourite Books: Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq, Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

Amaka Kwushue – Social Media Manager

Hi there! I am the social media manager for The Bolo Tie Collective. With my background in communication and design, I am passionate about creating and communicating clear, engaging messages and designs across diverse audiences. 

All you need to know: I love Pinterest, organizing my Spotify playlists (music is everything!), and watching Highschool Musical (over and over again!). I enjoy fantasy and romance novels and am also a fan of romance animes and dramas (I will consume any literature as long as it has a sprinkle of love).

Michelle Philip – Website Manager

Hey, I’m so glad you’re here! I am a third-year Communications student with a minor in Digital Experience Design. I’ve always loved writing and reading, but MacEwan introduced me to the fascinating and innovative realm of user experience design. I still have a lot to learn—especially with coding—but I am so excited to integrate my love for effective messaging with my newfound interest in digital interfaces and website architecture.

Favourite Books: I’ve been collecting books at a much faster rate that I have been reading them, so my favourites change at any time. A classic for me is the Narnia series because it’s always a nostalgic delight!

Zoey McRae – Blog Editor

Hi everyone! I first heard about the Bolo Tie through the Bolo Live! events hosted at MacEwan’s Towers Pub, where I read my poetry at an open mic for the first time (so scary but very worth it). I was a poetry and copyeditor for Volume VIII before becoming a blog editor this November. I am very excited to be part of the Bolo Tie Executive team this year! 

I am majoring in journalism and in the second last year of my degree. After I graduate, I would like to work towards becoming an investigative reporter. I love to read, write angsty poetry, and hang out with my cat Kimchi. 

Fun Fact: I am vegetarian! 

Favourite Book: The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall

Angela Mlowe- Blog Editor

Hey y’all! I am so excited to be one of The Bolo Tie Collective’s blog editors this year. I study marketing, so given my background and prior experience in that field, I have a passion for developing digital content. I’ll be working behind the scenes (occasionally in front of them!) to edit, scout, and publish student writing on the blog. 

I may be a Marketing major, but I’m not all business. As a secret bookworm, my favourite literary genre is anything that keeps me on the edge of my seat, even more so if it’s a true story! I joined The Bolo Tie Collective because I was drawn to its welcoming and supportive community, and I’ve really enjoyed showing my creative side. 

Fun Fact: I’m low-key addicted to crocheting! 

Emma Morrison-Pelayo – Audio/Visual Editor

Hi everyone! I’m a professionally trained violinist who’s always loved anything audio-related. I’m in my third year of communications. I am a huge fan of horror or thriller novels. I’ve always wanted to create an audiobook and also enjoy creating short-form videos.

Favourite Book: “Mister B Gone” by Clive Barker. 

MaCaila Saunders – Workshop Manager

Hi everyone, I am a fourth-year English student at MacEwan. I have always been a big bookworm so joining The Bolo Tie seemed like a great opportunity to improve my creative writing skills. I have a particular love for Urban Fantasy or High Fantasy books. 

Fun fact: I once had 8 dogs and 4 llamas

Favourite book: Tricksters Choice byTamara Pierce