Irene Vázquez is a Black Mexican American poet, translator, and journalist born and raised on the Gulf Coast and now residing in Manhattan. Their translation of Aiko and the Planet of Dogs (Levine Querido 2024) was awarded the Prix Albertine Jeunesse. By day, Irene edits books about feisty 12-year olds at Levine Querido. When not in the world of books, Irene likes drinking coffee and watching the WNBA.