In my current role overseeing the financial aspects of a nonprofit organization, I am responsible for managing funding, processing donations, and cultivating partnerships to guarantee that our initiatives have the necessary resources to create a lasting and meaningful impact. I work closely and collaboratively with donors and community partners to build sustainable support networks, which enable us to advocate effectively for critical curriculum reforms across the nation. Through this dedicated work, my ultimate aim is to empower and uplift students by providing them with access to education that truly reflects, respects, and honors their diverse identities and unique life experiences.

I am a student based in Los Angeles who is deeply passionate about ensuring that children like me have consistent and reliable access to critical information that profoundly shapes our understanding of equality and social justice. It feels fundamentally unfair and unjust that important books are being banned or removed from schools and libraries, as this practice restricts our ability to learn about the diverse and fundamental differences within our population. Moreover, it stifles essential and often difficult conversations about diversity, inclusion, and acceptance that are necessary for growth and empathy.

In my role as the Customer Service Manager for The Banned Books Initiative, I am committed to providing exceptional support and guidance to our community of readers, authors, and partners. I oversee all aspects of customer interactions to ensure that every inquiry, concern, or feedback is addressed promptly and professionally. By fostering positive communication and listening attentively to the needs of our customers, I help cultivate a welcoming environment that encourages continued engagement with our mission. Collaborating closely with our Executive Director, authors, and the ice cream company partner, I ensure that every book purchase and related experience reflects our dedication to defending intellectual freedom and celebrating banned books as vital tools for education and empowerment.

As the Volunteer Leader and Board Member at The Banned Books Initiative, my role extends far beyond traditional volunteer work, it is a vital leadership position that encompasses strategic planning, community engagement, and advocacy to champion the cause of intellectual freedom. I coordinate and lead a dedicated team of volunteers, ensuring that our outreach efforts are not only effective but also aligned with our mission to promote banned and challenged books. This involves organizing events, facilitating discussions, and collaborating with authors and our partner ice cream company to create unique promotions that encourage readers to explore censored works.

In addition to managing volunteer activities, I actively contribute to board meetings where we shape the strategic direction of the Initiative, oversee program development, and advocate for policies that protect free expression. My work is centered on building bridges across diverse communities, fostering inclusivity by highlighting voices that have historically been silenced or marginalized. By leveraging literature’s transformative power, I help create educational campaigns that deepen public understanding of social justice issues and identity, inspiring individuals and institutions alike to confront censorship and champion diverse narratives.

Through this leadership role, I am proud to empower others to become advocates for change, fostering a culture where critical thinking and freedom of expression are celebrated. My commitment is to ensure that every book purchased through our platform is a step towards a more informed and compassionate society, one where literature serves as a catalyst for empathy, dialogue, and action.