READ Stories: The Faces of READ
Rossy M Francisco
Director of Dual Impact Programs
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.
Ellie Culpepper
Implementation Manager
How long have you been with READ?
3 years in December!
What aspect of the organization makes you proud to work here?
The way we strive to instill confidence in the children we serve by helping them build their reading skills. Witnessing the excitement on a child's face as they learn how to read a new word and the love of reading that develops in them along the way is one of the joys of working at READ.
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!
Amanda Srere
Manager of Development
How long have you been with READ?
3 years
What aspect of the organization makes you proud to work here?
The incredibly meaningful work that Read Alliance accomplishes through our dual impact mission, allowing us to serve both elementary school students and teens.
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!
Sahira Caridad
Program Manager
How long have you been with READ?
I've been working at READ since February of 2020, so almost 5 years!
What aspect of the organization makes you proud to work here?
Having been a Teen Leader myself and experiencing the way my life unfolded thanks to Read Alliance, has made working here truly special. I know without a doubt that READ takes a genuine interest in each Teen Leader's professional and personal journey.
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.