Erin Bowers is a dedicated educator and environmental activist with a rich background that includes service in the Army Reserves. Raised in a working-class Catholic household, Bowers' early experiences shaped her values and commitment to community service. Her career in education has been marked by a deep commitment to fostering learning and growth in young people. Beyond her professional role, Bowers has been actively involved in environmental activism, with a particular focus on opposing fracking in her local community.

William Bryant, also known as Bill, was born on June 20, 1937, in a small crossroads town called Amlin, Ohio, near Plain City in the northwest part of greater Columbus. His father held various jobs, including milkman, railroader, and a captain in the Columbus police department's corrections division. His mother worked at Woolworths and raised six children, five boys and one girl, with William being the second boy. Despite dropping out of high school in his senior year, Bryant joined the Navy at seventeen and later earned a GED.