Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This iconic quote by Dr. Seuss has left an indelible mark on my soul, inspiring the passion and directing the purpose through which I lead my nonprofit, Literacy Is Lit. My love for reading began at a young age, when my Gramma introduced me to her favorite stories before bed. As I started to read independently, I swapped children’s books for chapter books, gravitating towards historical fiction and fantasy. Each new book was a symbol of hope–something exciting about to unfold. Each chapter was a lesson learned from the characters’ experiences–lessons that helped me better understand the world and make sense of my place within it. Each page instilled confidence, creativity, empathy, and empowerment.
When the world shut down in 2020, I spent my time reading, managing the struggles of the pandemic with my comfort novels. Many people, also looking to stay busy, cleaned out their closets that summer, but typical donation centers stopped accepting items, especially books. Having my own children’s book collection I no longer needed, I took it upon myself to find homes for these books I knew could change another child’s life. Upon research, I was distraught to discover one in four children in America grow up without learning how to read. Literacy is a critical skill needed to navigate life, and illiteracy can perpetuate a cycle of intergenerational poverty. However, studies show children who grow up in a household with books are bound to develop stronger literacy skills, and I knew this was my opportunity to make a difference.
My first book drive of fifty books benefitting the children of Step-By-Step Learning Centers residing in underresourced Philadelphia areas developed into a multifaceted nonprofit. I’ve organized countless book drives to collect quality preloved books and facilitated fundraisers to purchase new ones. In addition to hosting drives, I collect books year-round in large Gaylords in my garage. The bins are a continuous drop-off site for donations and a home base for quality checking and sorting. These efforts have allowed me to distribute over 70,000 books worth $350,000 across the Mid-Atlantic region. By distributing to Head Starts, CASAs, Cops n’ Kids Reading Rooms, Tree House Books, food pantries, shelters, and classrooms, these books have reached the shelves of children who need them most. I also partner with community organizations like BookSmiles, which has connected me to a network of Title-I school teachers that serve vulnerable children, allowing me to expand my impact. Furthermore, to inspire the next generation of readers and leaders, I’ve shared my “Learning With Lizzie” interactive presentation and my children’s book in schools, libraries, and community centers across Pennsylvania. I help students explore their passions through reading and ignite their intellectual curiosity.
Through Literacy Is Lit, I’ve learned that collaboration is key. To amplify my reach, I launched a “Literacy Leaders” program that cultivates the civic leadership of eight students. I support them in kickstarting their own drives, providing them with mentorship and guidance through one-on-one and group meetings, and I organize volunteer opportunities for them to bond and build on each other’s ideas. Watching them succeed in their drives, support new communities, and initiate innovative ideas has proven the value of building and strengthening a team.
While my initiative has achieved its goal of expanding access to books, I’ve also realized that access can only do so much. To comprehensively address the literacy crisis, our education system must be reformed. Equitable funding, a stronger teacher workforce, accessible early education, and phonics curricula can ensure all children develop the literacy skills they need to succeed. I’ve come to understand that the education people receive shapes their future. Our schools must help every child crack the code of reading and reach their full potential.
As a result of these findings, I’ve broadened my efforts to include advocacy, partnering with organizations like the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians to promote functioning libraries and librarian-led programs in every school; testifying to school boards; and collaborating with legislators to host events that provide constituents with educational resources. I’ve realized that affecting change requires the contributions of both leaders and engaged citizens.
Leading Literacy Is Lit has undeniably altered my perspective of the world. Interactions with diverse individuals have revealed to me the systemic barriers that ravage society and how deep-seated inequalities trace back to educational inequity. Creating connections with students has shown me their hardships and hopes, providing more meaningful purpose and a stronger fuel to the fire of Literacy Is Lit. We must harness educational institutions to catalyze social change–only then will we open the doors of opportunity for all.
Through Literacy Is Lit, I’ve learned how to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to a cause, and see the results when passion converges with conviction. Recently, I was able to hear U.S. Ambassador Moose speak at the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program, who said, “When we believe in the changes we seek, it is easy to commit to doing all we can.” He taught me that when I see something I want to change and hear a calling to serve others, I should follow that calling without apprehension. I’ve recognized a desire embedded within me to do something meaningful–to contribute to a purpose larger than myself. I’ve felt how energizing it is to know you can create change that has a real impact on people’s lives, and I’ve realized giving back is what fulfills me the most. Literacy Is Lit has allowed me to discern my purpose in this world: to be a force for good. It has kindled the fire of a lifetime commitment to service within me, a fire I will use to continue sparking empowerment in others.
As I think back to little Lizzie pulling Oh the Places You’ll Go off her shelf and the children I’ve read those same lines to, I remember the quote “Today is your day!” Indeed, powerful change is only one page turn, one leap of faith away.