Guests of Honor
BayCon 2025 / Westercon 77 is thrilled to introduce a stellar lineup of Guests of Honor whose creativity and expertise span literature, art, film, and beyond. Join us in welcoming educator and thought leader Dr. Lawana Richmond, acclaimed comic artist J.K. Woodward, tarot luminary Sasha Graham, the vibrant and visionary Spotted Giraffe, celebrated actor Catherine Mary Stewart, writing duo M.A. Carrick, and our spooktacular community guests Stacy Meyn and Tracy Newby. Each brings a unique perspective to our gathering, promising unforgettable panels, discussions, and experiences you won’t want to miss.
Dr. Lawana Richmond, Ed.D
Dr. Richmond holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from San Diego State University, a Masters in Information Systems from National University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from UC San Diego/CSU San Marcos. She is dedicated to ensuring our young people have every opportunity for equitable learning, opportunity to learn of our communal past and opportunity to embrace who they are as individuals. Her passion for futurism, in general and Afrofuturism in particular, is driven by the times we live in; Times when the adversity and the opportunities it presents beckon us to rise above ourselves.
Website: https://www.drlawana.com
J. K. Woodward
J.K. Woodward is a life-long comic book fan who started a professional comics career in 2003. His work includes IDW’s Star Trek comics, Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, BOOM! and Image Comics, as well as other companies and individuals for specialized commissions.
Sasha Graham
Sasha Graham is a world-renowned tarot expert, bestselling author, award-winning tarot deck creator, and indie horror actress who teaches and lectures worldwide. Her work has been translated into more than 10 languages, and she has authored 12 books including Tarot Diva, 365 Tarot Spreads, 365 Tarot Spells, Llewellyn’s Complete Book of the Rider Waite Smith Tarot, The Magic of Tarot, and the forthcoming Artist’s Guide to Tarot (2025). She served as editor and writer for Lo Scarabeo’s Tarot Fundamentals, Tarot Experience, and Tarot Compendium, Dark Side of Tarot and Tarot Original 1909 series, and has contributed to Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac, Witches’ Datebook, and Witches’ Calendar. Her tarot decks include Tarot of Haunted House, Dark Wood Tarot, Tarot of the Witch’s Garden, and the forthcoming Gothic Glamour Oracle and Vampire Tarot. Sasha has appeared in more than sixteen 90’s horror flicks and recently in “Side Effect May Vary,” “Screamwalkers,” “Trivial,” and “Slug (2025).” She hosts and created Ghost Stories by the Fire, a monthly, live, crowd-sourced ghost story share and podcast. Sasha’s evolving story—like a fairy tale—shows what happens when you persevere, follow your instincts, and believe in magic.
Spotted Giraffe
Giraffe is a passionate explorer of fandom, a dedicated cosplayer, and a co-host of Strange New Pod and Alternative Space. A lifelong Star Trek fan, she loves nothing more than diving into the heart of fandom—celebrating its creativity, dissecting its impact, and championing the fans who shape it. With a background in education, classics, and archaeology, Giraffe has lived and worked all over the world, giving her a unique, multicultural perspective on storytelling and science fiction. Fluent in multiple languages, she thrives on connecting with fans across cultures, exploring how different communities engage with speculative fiction. She is especially passionate about uncovering and uplifting the work of Black fans, collecting and sharing fanzines that highlight their rich contributions to fan history. Whether she’s bringing characters to life through cosplay, geeking out over the latest sci-fi debates, or sparking conversations about representation and fandom history, Giraffe is always ready to boldly go wherever the fans are!
Catherine Mary Stewart
With over 40 years as an actor, Catherine Mary Stewart began her performing career in Canada focusing on dance while also training in acting and singing. After attending the London Studio Centre in England, she landed the lead female role of “Bibi” in the feature film “The Apple,” shot in Berlin, and soon moved to Los Angeles. She originated the beloved character Kayla Brady on “Days of Our Lives” before starring in cult classics such as “The Last Starfighter,” “Night of the Comet” (a quirky blend of comedy, horror, and apocalyptic adventure), “Mischief,” and the hilarious “Weekend at Bernie’s.” Her range extended from an Uzi-slinging survivor in “Night of the Comet” to a rock and roll singer in “Scenes from the Goldmine” and a gun-slinging free spirit in the punk rock western “Dudes.” She was also in demand on television, appearing in lavish mini-series like “Hollywood Wives,” “Sins,” and the award-winning “Passion and Paradise,” working alongside illustrious actors including Anthony Hopkins, Joan Collins, and Gene Kelly. Other proud credits include “The Sea Wolf” opposite Charles Bronson and Christopher Reeve, as well as numerous Hallmark and Lifetime movies. Recent guest roles on “New Amsterdam,” “Limitless,” “White Collar,” and “Law and Order” reflect her ongoing success. Not only does Ms. Stewart continue to work in front of the camera, but she also writes, produces, and directs, developing feature films, television, and theater.
M. A. Carrick
M.A. Carrick is the joint pen name of Marie Brennan (author of the Memoirs of Lady Trent) and Alyc Helms (author of the Adventures of Mr. Mystic). The two met in 2000 on an archaeological dig in Wales and Ireland — including a stint in the town of Carrickmacross — and have built their friendship through two decades of anthropology, writing, and gaming. Previously they collaborated on the Rook and Rose trilogy, beginning with The Mask of Mirrors. They live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Stacy Meyn & Tracy Newby
In past moods, Stacy Meyn cleaned the bookmobile, clerked for the library system, and was an A/V tech, music store manager/buyer, and DJ/producer. She webmavened during the dot com 1.0 boom (and bust) and has operated freelance writing services (Space Ltd. <O>) since 1994, covering pop culture, music, media, film, and fandom. After a lengthy stint in the gubmint and armed with a master’s degree in education, Stacy is a senior instructional designer and technical writer. She is involved with (and can be blamed for a few) fan groups, including the 501st Legion, the Golden Gate Garrison, Browncoats, Bay Area Actual, The Royal Manticoran Navy, STARFLEET International (USS Northern Lights), STEAM Federation, Hi-Impact Props and Costumes, and the Society for Creative Anachronism (Baroness of the Westermark). For additional fun, she serves as a disaster service worker (CERT executive committee) and is mightily into the EDC (Every Day Carry) community. As part of Bay Area Ghost Hunters and Alameda Paranormal Researchers, Stacy has obsessions with the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier Museum and numerous spoops n’ creps.