GW Capstone Project Spotlight (2)

GW Capstone Project Spotlight: Freedom, Representation, and the Future (2) Moderator, Randy Townsend

Publishers' Commitment to the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Time of Book Bans, Alyssa Dearborn Faith and Spirituality in the Publishing Industry, Liz Gillispie The Ethical Issues of ChatGPT, Tia Gracey

Publishers' Commitment to the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Time of Book Bans, Alyssa Dearborn In this project, book bans and their effect on the publishing industry are explored from a queer perspective. The case study includes an ethical analysis of the banning and challenging of LGBTQIA+ books as well as indexes of current book banning legislation, court cases, and resources for those seeking to combat censorship.

Faith and Spirituality in the Publishing Industry, Liz Gillispie In this presentation, Liz explores the efforts made for more faith-friendly workplaces across the publishing industry. To more fully encompass a diversity of thought, experience, and background in publishing, faith - in all its forms - must become part of the conversation.

The Ethical Issues of ChatGPT, Tia Gracey Passionate about the transformative potential of technology, Tia's Capstone revolves around the impacts that Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, can and will have on the publishing industry. Her keen interest lies in understanding the strengths and limitations of AI-driven creations and how it may reshape traditional expectations in the field. Her work opens the debate on whether ChatGPT can be used ethically and the possible consequences that the answer could bring.

Alyssa Dearborn (she/her) is a writer and freelance editor from Syracuse, NY. She is a student in George Washington University's Master's in Publishing program and expects to graduate in Spring 2025.

Liz Gillespie is one of eight children and grew up raising chickens and riding horses. Liz calls life in a family of 10 "a party" and says her siblings are her best friends. She studied journalism and music at Brigham Young University, and has since developed a passion for editing, health and wellness, and nutrient-dense cooking. Liz is currently in her second year of GW's Publishing program. Both Liz and her husband Jimmy are pursuing graduate degrees right now while attempting to balance life with three vivacious young kiddos. They have lived in Ohio, Utah, Arizona, California, Texas, and Malaysia. They currently reside in Philadelphia.

Tia Gracey is the Associate Editor for Political Science Today, American Political Science Association, and the Managing Editor for the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing. At the end of 2023, she is set to graduate with her second masters degree, a Master's in Professional Studies in Publishing from George Washington University. With a diverse educational background, including a previous Master's in Liberal Arts and a certificate in Writing for Children and Young Adults, both from McDaniel College, Tia brings a unique perspective to her exploration of the publishing world.