After realizing that there were limited options for young creatives to get their work published and promoted, whether it be because of an age limit or a costly fee, Isabel Tiburcio 24’, created The Gaia Zine, an online publication designed to house creative works from writing, poetry, photography, and short films by youth around the world.

Tiburcio, a literature and film enthusiast, has been working fervently on The Gaia Zine since the idea first dawned on her in freshman year. She recalls thinking, “There should be a place for young creatives’ work, and I’m going to make that place.” The Gaia Zine’s name was chosen as an ode to the Greek goddess of Earth, Gaia. Tiburcio officially launched the site on August 9, 2021 and has not looked back since.

Creatives ranging from middle schoolers to undergrads are constantly submitting to The Gaia Zine from their 15 home countries. The Gaia Zine community has around 150 contributors, most of whom submit poetry. Tiburcio explained that submissions are roughly 60% poetry, 25% art, and 15% film. She is currently in the process of editing a “Coming-of-Age” poetry anthology since receiving 95 submissions this summer. She hopes to publish the book for online order upon its completion.

Tiburcio uses mainly TikTok and Instagram to promote The Gaia Zine. Through social media, she has been able to reach contributors, and a readership, globally. But advertising locally is just as important. Her current publicizing goal is “to get the local community more involved,” especially at RCDS.

This past summer, Tiburcio partnered with The Queens World Film Festival  to start The Gaia Zine’s Uniquely Youth Film Festival through RCDS’ Community Engagement Fellowship. The festival screened nine of the submitted films followed by a Q&A with the young filmmakers. The rest of the submitted short films will soon be featured on The Gaia Zine’s website.

The Gaia Zine was recently awarded a grant from Taco Bell and Ashoka, which Tiburcio will use to build a team, create a mentorship program, and fund a global collaboration platform for her contributors. Tiburcio sees The Gaia Zine expanding and hosting in-person workshops in partnership with various community groups. When asked to describe a valuable lesson she has learned through The Gaia Zine, Tiburcio reflected on how working with international peers has broadened her horizons and made her more worldly.

Tiburcio is always looking for potential contributors and team members. Writers, artists, and filmmakers can submit their work, anonymously if they’d like, through The Gaia Zine’s website. She is specifically looking for help with social media content creation, fundraising , and communications. Tiburcio has made significant progress in the Gaia Zine and continues to advance the publication. Because of her efforts within the Gaia community, Tiburcio has given all creatives a platform, and ultimately, a voice to share their work.