Jaden Drew (he/him)

Rosewater Advisory Committee

“I’ve lived in the South End most of my life, so I’ve grown a deep connection to the area. South Louisville Community Ministries with it’s bookstore, The Rosewater, represents the best of our city. Named after a character in Kurt Vonnegut’s 1965 novel, “God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater,” in which a multi-millionaire is the head of a foundation that “attempts to dispense unlimited amounts of love and limited sums of money to anyone who will come to his office.” The mission of the compassionate people at SLCM and volunteers at The Rosewater Bookstore is very similar to this. I work for a non-profit called The Book Works who is a proud community partner of the bookstore and I started my first semester of college this Fall. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing videogames, listening to music, and spending time with family. Here’s a picture of me and one of my cats, Mochi.”

Tamjeed Zaidi (she/her)

Rosewater Advisory Committee

“I am the Fiberworks Coordinator at Americana. I grew up in Islamabad, Pakistan where I received my bachelors in home economics. In my free time I enjoy gardening and sewing. I love Rosewater's bookshelves, and I've always dreamed of browsing the bookshop and finding a book in Urdu on the shelf!”

Voltaire Oakley (they/them)

Rosewater Advisory Committee

"My name is Voltaire Oakley, V or VV for short!  I am a Beechmont local who loves art and animals.  I often draw, read, or write stories in my spare time.  I love the Rosewater since it's in walking distance from home, it has a relaxed and cozy atmosphere and gives back to the community in wonderful ways."

Nedra McNeil (they/she)

Rosewater Advisory Committee

Nedra is a lifelong Louisvillian and a polyamorous, non-binary electronic artist. They make interactive sculptures, wearables, synthesizers, silly electric vehicles and other things that beep-boop, glow, transgress gender norms, or go bump in the night. Many of their interests are informed by sustainability, community building, and education, and The Rosewater is one of the wonderful places in our neighborhood that these intersect. Nedra also serves on the Beechmont Neighborhood Association Board of Directors.

Micah Kavich (they/them)

Rosewater Advisory Committee

“I've lived in and loved the South End for most of my adult life. I am an avid reader and especially have a love for feminist science fiction or books that lead us to live in right relation and move toward justice. I started at the Rosewater as a Fellow, moved to a volunteer, became a staff member at SLCM and ACM, and am now helping envision the future of our amazing neighborhood bookstore! I also love bonfires and creating myriad wonders with the youth in my life.”

Rebecca Lumbrix (she/her)

Community Programs Coordinator at South Louisville Community Ministries

Rebecca loves: exploring, birdwatching, cooking & eating delicious food, sunshine, being outdoors, talking about mental health, handpoked tattoos, and her cat, Lars. For the last 2+ years, she has put her degree in Literature and Creative Writing to good use by running a book club (the only book criteria: nothing written by cishet white men). She has worked in many local businesses, always seeking to find or create connection, community, and joy. She and her partner Jerry have settled in Louisville’s South End and share big dreams for adventuring and making the world a better place.

Clare Rutz Wallace (she/her)

Founder of The Rosewater and Executive Director of South Louisville Community Ministries

Clare grew up in Upstate New York and attended Syracuse University where she earned a dual B.A. degree in Policy Studies and International Development. After school she traveled throughout Asia vetting and consulting nonprofits for the GlobalGiving Foundation, and then moved to Washington, D.C. to work on their team. Clare spent another two years “in the field” with the Peace Corps as an agriculture volunteer in Senegal, after which she found her way to Kentucky. She’s since made (South!) Louisville her home. Formerly the Director of Development at Americana World Community Center, she also serves on the board of Louisville Chamber Choir, and founded Cairn, Louisville’s public giving circle.