About Joanna

Joanna is a storyteller and art dabbler with a permanent case of wanderlust. She lives in California with her family and cat, and has a passion for wildlife and conservation. She still hasn’t decided what she’s going to be when she grows up, though she suspects she will probably be herself. Her novel, YA sci-fi time travel story Threadwalkers, was published in 2017. You can find her other ramblings at joannavolavka.com or by following her on instagram @joannavolavka which is mostly cat photos and pretty plants. Need to get in touch? Email joanna@geekgirlpenpals.com
IGGPPC Director, +5 Charisma Editor
24 07, 2026

Her Universe Fashion Show Showcases Heroes and Art in Immersive, Spectacular 12th Outing

By |2026-07-24T23:02:20+00:00July 24th, 2026|Conventions/Events, Fashion|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show Showcases Heroes and Art in Immersive, Spectacular 12th Outing

In a night that was equal parts celebration of fashion, art and the heroic, the 2026 Her Universe Fashion Show stepped into a new era [...]

21 07, 2026

No Badge? No Problem! Our top 5 off-site (free!) things to do during San Diego Comic-Con!

By |2026-07-23T20:28:18+00:00July 21st, 2026|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on No Badge? No Problem! Our top 5 off-site (free!) things to do during San Diego Comic-Con!

Whether you didn't score a badge this year or you only picked up a single day pass, there are plenty of things to do around town during San Diego Comic-Con that don't require a badge! Here are our top five favorite options for things to do outside the Convention Center. 

17 07, 2026

Her Universe Fashion Show Announces 2026 Judges One Week Ahead of Show

By |2026-07-17T23:11:30+00:00July 17th, 2026|Conventions/Events, Culture, Fashion|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show Announces 2026 Judges One Week Ahead of Show

We are so excited for this year's Her Universe Fashion Show, a celebration of all things geek fashion! This year's theme focusing on DC properties is especially exciting -- will we see designs for the BatFam? Justice League Couture? We can't wait to find out! Read on for a roundup of who's on the judges panel, what fans can expect, and more important details below!

16 01, 2026

5 Ways Bridgerton is Like Dungeons & Dragons

By |2026-01-10T07:47:39+00:00January 16th, 2026|5 Fandom Friday, Culture, TV & Movies|Comments Off on 5 Ways Bridgerton is Like Dungeons & Dragons

I've been thinking about all the ways Bridgerton reminds me of another of my geek loves.... Dungeons & Dragons. So here are 5 ways Bridgerton is totally like D&D. 

28 11, 2025

5 Retro-Nerdy Gifts This Holiday Season

By |2026-01-10T07:31:21+00:00November 28th, 2025|5 Fandom Friday, Books, Culture, Shopping, Staff Picks|Comments Off on 5 Retro-Nerdy Gifts This Holiday Season

It's the gifting season for many of us and we know how challenging it can be to find that perfect thing to give your bestie [...]

24 07, 2025

Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 Defies Gravity in Wicked-Themed Celebration of Geek Couture

By |2026-01-08T07:32:35+00:00July 24th, 2025|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 Defies Gravity in Wicked-Themed Celebration of Geek Couture

The annual Her Universe Fashion show debuted in a new venue this year with more spectacle and more fans able to attend what has become [...]