Donald Proffit, a visionary in the creative arts and former arts educator, has been short-listed for the 2024 William Saroyan International Writing Prize in nonfiction for his memoir, Hardship Alaska. With a background in music, dance, and visual arts, Donald has presented workshops and original performances worldwide, including in Israel, where his work helped foster dialogue among Israeli, Palestinian, and American youth. His accolades include a John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Teacher Fellowship and the D. Bennet Mazur Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Personal Liberty Fund of the New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition.