READ Stories: The Faces of READ

How long have you been with READ?

5 years

What aspect of the organization makes you proud to work here?

I am incredibly proud of READ's unwavering dedication to the growth and development of young people and the ways in which we open pathways to help them discover their unlimited potential.

What is your favorite book?

“Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

My favorite thing to do in NYC is discovering hidden food gems; you can eat around the world without leaving NYC and discover so many cultures through the amazing food in local family-owned restaurants.

How does the work you do at READ inspire you?

This work inspires me to continue to uplift the voices of young people and continue being an advocate and agent of change in our community.

What do you do at read?

I have the privilege of leading the program team and supporting the implementation of the Early Literacy and Teen Leadership programs in NYC.

What is your favorite memory from working at READ?

One of my favorite memories while working at READ has been attending the READ Gala for the very first time in 2022 and being able to connect with so many friends of READ.

A fun fact about Rossy!

My sisters and I share a love for Fantasy Fiction books and have had an unofficial book club since we were kids.

What is your favorite book?

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

I love anything involving food and/or literature. My favorite event series in NYC is Tables of Contents (@tables.of.contents) -- each event features three authors who each read an excerpt from their book, and then the TOC team serves a dish inspired by each reading.

How does the work you do at READ inspire you?

Knowing that the young people we serve will take the skills they develop at READ with them for the rest of their lives is what motivates me at work every single day.

What do you do at read?

I work in the Expansion department and support the implementation of our program model in communities outside of our home in New York City. I primarily work with our on-the-ground staff in Reading, PA to sustain program fidelity.

What is your favorite memory from working at READ?

Traveling to Reading, PA and Portland, OR to witness our expansion efforts in person and getting to meet all the people I work close to every day.

A fun fact about Ellie!

I officiated my sister's wedding this summer!

What is your favorite book?

“Persuasion” by Jane Austen

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

Explore Central Park - my favorite part is the Alice in Wonderland statue.

How does the work you do at READ inspire you?

Knowing that we're making such a difference in the lives of young students and teens inspires me every day!

What do you do at read?

I work on the Development team, and have the opportunity to liaise closely with our donors, as well as our Board of Directors and Associate Board. I also track all donations that come into the organization, and manage our annual giving campaigns. Finally, I assist with any Development-adjacent special events, such as our yearly gala, VIP kick-off event, and Youth Summit.

What is your favorite memory from working at READ?

The first site visit that I attended: seeing the magic happen in person between the elementary school students and Teen Leaders was such an inspirational experience.

A fun fact about amanda!

I was an extra in a movie that was filmed on my college campus!

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara. It does a beautiful job of depicting the intricacies of love, life, hardship, and friendship.

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

Taking the MTA to random places and thrifting!

How does the work you do at READ inspire you?

Witnessing the freedom children gain by unlocking new words is profoundly moving. The independence that comes from understanding the world around them and making sense of it for themselves is invaluable. I am in awe of our teens, who extend their patience and friendship to our students, empowering them with the tools they need to become confident readers.

What do you do at read?

As a Program Manager, I lead the launch and implementation of programs at our partner schools, ensuring that students throughout the city have access to 1:1 tutoring from our Teen Leaders.

What is your favorite memory from working at READ?

The Youth Summit was a wonderful opportunity.

A fun fact about Sahira!

I grew up on a farm.

What is your favorite book?

“Nothing to Envy”, a true story about three North Koreans who manage to defect to South Korea

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

EAT!! I love trying new cuisines and new foods as often as possible.

How does the work you do at READ inspire you?

Meeting our incredible Teen Leaders is so inspiring. Their dedication to READ and their determination to make an impact at a young age is tremendously motivating.

What do you do at read?

I am lucky enough to work with our supporters and find creative ways to partner with them!

What is your favorite memory from working at READ?

At our 2024 Youth Summit, I loved seeing our supporters getting to know one another at the Supporters Breakfast and our Teen Leaders celebrating one another at the Closing Ceremony.

A fun fact about Patricia!

I've lived on three continents.

What aspect of the organization makes you proud to work here?

The relationships we build with the Teen Leaders are a wonderful thing. Just from them going to the program a couple of times a week or occasionally coming to our events, these really amazing relationships and connections have been built. The longer they work with us, they are only strengthened to the point where a lot of the staff members are supporting them both in their work with READ and in their personal lives.

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

Going out to eat.

What is your favorite memory from working at READ?

I love the quarterly game nights that we have for the Teen Leaders.

A fun fact about shawana!

I taught myself to play ukulele and guitar.

What is your favorite book?

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows (the nostalgia!)

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

I live in Los Angeles, so whenever I visit NYC, I try to fit in as much as I can—catching up with family and friends, enjoying great food, and exploring my favorite spots around the city.

How does the work you do at READ inspire you?

Knowing that our work directly uplifts under-resourced communities and makes a real difference in the lives of young students—beyond just the program—motivates me every day. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how our organization creates opportunities and empowers individuals for their future.

What do you do at read?

I am proud to be a team member of our small but mighty Development team. Specifically, some of my top responsibilities at the organization include writing proposals and reports, managing our internal and external communications, serving as a liaison to the Associate Board, and coordinating our social media initiatives.

What is your favorite memory from working at READ?

It’s difficult to choose just one memory, but READ's Annual Gala always leaves a positive and lasting impression on me. There’s something special about being in a room full of colleagues and supporters, all united by READ's mission. It’s inspiring to see so many people come together for our cause and it creates such a strong sense of community.

A fun fact about Shea!

I participated in the game show Wipe Out!