We are so excited to announce a new addition to the Words Alive team: our new Engagement Coordinator, Kristi Stoza! Read on to learn more about Kristi and her drive to join the Words Alive team!
Kristi brings with her years of experience in volunteer management, fundraising, and program work serving families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and substance abuse. She holds an undergraduate degree in social work from SDSU and is an active volunteer with Shoreline Community Services serving unhoused individuals in the central beach areas. Her past work experience includes positions at Vista Hill, Center for Community Services, and the LGBTQ Youth Space in San Jose. In her free time, Kristi enjoys running, paddle boarding, checking out new restaurants, and planning weekend adventures with her family.
Now, a few words from Kristi!
What intrigued you about Words Alive? Why did you want to join the team?
I’ve always loved to read and my background is in social work, so I was immediately interested when I heard about Words Alive’s mission! In prior work, I noticed how access to books and engaging literacy education varied drastically even among schools in the same city, not to mention what was available to youth facing extraordinary circumstances like homelessness and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Even more disheartening was witnessing how so many kids didn’t get to see themselves reflected in the books available to them or engage in classroom discussions based around literature that was relevant to their lives and experiences. I find Words Alive so exciting since the mission connects my passions for reading, social justice, and building equitable communities!
What are you most excited about in your new position?
I’m thrilled to get to work with such a kind and brilliant group of staff and volunteers! Additionally, I firmly believe in the power of unpaid labor, so honoring the volunteers that make Words Alive able to operate so many amazing programs is very exciting to me! I enjoy helping people see the impact of what they’re doing, which makes me really look forward to demonstrating to volunteers and donors the power of their contributions. I also really love how positive and asset-based Words Alive is, as well as the organization’s commitment to community collaboration and empowerment.
What is your relationship with literacy and learning?
Books have always been a big part of my life. As a child, I enjoyed escaping into other worlds by reading books that let me experience things I could never have imagined. I moved a fair bit in my childhood, so books were a constant – something that I could always count on and connect with! As I got older, books helped me develop my own identity as I grew to understand the world around me by reading new perspectives and exploring topics previously unknown to me. Reading helps me learn new things, challenge my previous assumptions, and continue to grow as a person.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America by Angie Schmitt. I also read a lot of fiction, especially horror and thrillers!