After nearly 10 years in my for-profit accounting role, I was honored to join the CLI community as an Accounting & Payroll Specialist for Children's Literacy Initiative, a national education nonprofit devoted to supporting educators and children in achieving reading attainment. The driving force behind my transition was CLI's sharpened mission, bilingual literacy pedagogy, and their profound impact on the lives of educators and children, particularly Black and Latinx, touched by their work.

Early literacy is important to me because learning to read is a fundamental right. EVERY child deserves to experience high-quality literacy instruction that affirms their identity, evokes joy, and propels them into a lifetime of success! Due to systemic inequities in education, Black and Latinx children are often disproportionately isolated from such experiences.

For nearly 35 years, CLI has worked to erase this inequity and help educators build on their reading instructional strengths. CLI is advancing the Literacy to Liberation movement to create education in equity. You can join this movement by contributing today.

I am asking for your philanthropic investment and support to help CLI equip school districts, principals, and teachers with the resources needed to empower and pursue their dreams. TOGETHER, we can empower educators and create an inclusive environment that fosters a love for reading and learning.

Will you join me in ensuring the Black and Latinx children we serve have successful and joyous literacy journeys?

Yours,

Kristen