Chris Vega (they/them) is the founder and publisher at Blue Cactus Press, where they make books that spark dialogue about liberation alongside authors, artists, and creative professionals from historically marginalized groups. Chris is also a two-spirit Chicana poet from the U.S./Mexico borderlands. Currently, they live on Puyallup and Nisqually land with their daughter, Catalina.  

Through their publishing practice, Chris hopes to stimulate local creative economy, build wealth among People of Color, and tell stories that allow people to reimagine themselves and the world around them. Chris’ latest poetry collection, Decay, was co-written and co-published with Conner Bouchard-Roberts of Winter Texts and Blue Cactus Press in 2025. Chris’ previous books include the poetry collections Vega and Maps (2023 and 2017, Blue Cactus Press). 

Prior to publishing, Chris served in the U.S. Army as a Chinese-Mandarin Linguist. They hold undergraduate degrees in Anthropology (New Mexico State University, 2010) and Chinese Mandarin Language (Defense Language Institute, 2012). They will graduate from Seattle University’s Master of Business Administration program in December 2025. 

Chris believes revolution starts at home.