pathfinderbookpress.com

The People Behind Pathfinder

Dane Kiambi, Ph.D.

Co-Founder and Chairman

Dane Kiambi is an outstanding leader in strategic communications and a passionate advocate for representation, self-worth, empowerment, and identity in children’s literature. As co-founder of Pathfinder Book Press, Dane is committed to publishing stories that inspire young readers to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the richness of different experiences.

An associate professor of Public Relations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dane mentors students who achieve national recognition, including a 1st place victory in the prestigious 2022 Bateman Competition. His award-winning research on international public relations, public diplomacy, and crisis communication has been recognized globally and published in leading academic journals.

But Dane’s most cherished role is being a father to his twin daughters, Alexis and Ariana – the co-founders of Pathfinder Book Press. Inspired by their creativity and resilience, Dane channels his personal and professional experiences into publishing transformative stories like No Scrub: My Black Skin Makes Me Beautiful, a celebration of Black beauty and the power of embracing individuality.

At Pathfinder Book Press, Dane combines real-world insights with rigorous research to create inclusive children’s literature that ensures every child feels seen, valued, and empowered. With every book, he works toward building a brighter, more inclusive future for the next generation. 

Alexis Kiambi

Co-Founder

As a young co-founder, Alexis brings boundless imagination and a fresh perspective to every story. Her passion for reading and storytelling drives her efforts to help children see themselves reflected in the books they read. Alexis contributes new ideas for stories and characters that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and self-worth, making her creativity central to Pathfinder’s mission of empowering young readers.

Ariana Kiambi

Co-Founder

Ariana plays a key role in shaping stories that resonate with young readers. Her natural ability to connect emotionally through stories, combined with her keen eye for detail, ensures that each book reflects authentic, real-world experiences that foster understanding and respect. Ariana’s perspective as both a young reader and team member adds depth and authenticity to the stories, making her an essential part of Pathfinder’s mission to inspire and uplift.