Meet our Champions for Reading!
Here, you'll learn about a few of our Champions for Youth and why they are excited to be part of the Words Alive community. We're so grateful to all of our champions for stepping up as leaders and advocates for reading. Each of them is supporting us by encouraging their friends and family to invest in life-changing literacy work!
Kristina Cox
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I'm a big nerd for fiction (especially scifi), ice cream (and food in general), and red pandas (and animals in general)
How did you get involved with Words Alive?
WA volunteer opportunities were recommended by my company's community outreach team.
What's your favorite book and why?
The first that comes to mind is Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson because it's written so well and many elements of it are so relatable. I held off on reading the last chapter for weeks because I didn't want it to end.
What is your favorite reading- or writing-related memory?
Reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with my mom as a kid.
Why do you want to be a Words Alive Champion for Youth?
I had a rough upbringing and books really helped me escape into other worlds and grow as a person. I think everyone deserves and needs books in their youth, and I want to help make that possible.
Jazmyn George
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m an avid reader and involved in the Politics Club, Service Club, Mentoring Club, and the debate team at my high school. I also like to write as well!
How did you get involved with Words Alive?
I needed service hours for the National Junior Honor Society, but what made me choose Words Alive instead of anyone else because the goal you work towards, and I get to do something I love!
What's your favorite book and why?
My favorite book would be Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon because the story is just amazing and I love the characters.
What is your favorite reading- or writing-related memory?
My favorite writing related memory is when I finished a book in kindergarten. It's obviously not very good, but it was just nice to be completed.
Why do you want to be a Words Alive Champion for Youth?
I want to be a Words Alive Champion for Youth because I love helping and I want to make a difference by assuring that kids get the gift of reading like I did.
Vanessa Lucero
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I work for Ernst and Young as an EA. I am the mother of 3 children ages 18, 13, and 9. I love books and do photography in my spare time. I love nature and art.
How did you get involved with Words Alive?
I became a volunteer during EY's Connect Week. I continued volunteering and became a champion to assist with peer to peer fund raising.
What's your favorite book and why?
Some of my favorite books are the Clan of the Cave Bear series. They are such interesting books, so well written, and have a great story line.
What is your favorite reading- or writing-related memory?
I love libraries and old book stores. One of the most amazing libraries I have been to is the New York Public Library. It’s so beautiful both inside and out, I have spent hours there wandering around. The architecture is incredible, but the art on the ceiling is even more amazing. It’s such a peaceful place, I love visiting it every time I am in the city.
Why do you want to be a Words Alive Champion for Youth?
I think books and reading are very important. I think it’s wonderful that you help underserved youth, and helping all children thrive during Covid is even more important. So many children are struggling and it’s important to provide them with as much support as we can.
Melinda Wynar
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Melinda Wynar and in 2014 I retired from being a Program Director for senior activity centers for 17 years. I was so used to being busy so I made a retirement list! Activities I would like to get involved in as soon as I retired and one of them was to read to children.
How did you get involved with Words Alive?
Reading was always a great escape and passion of mine and I wanted to share that with others. I was so delighted to discover Words Alive! It’s such a vibrant organization with dedicated staff and volunteers. The creative programs that constantly evolve there just astound me and I want to volunteer for every program!
What's your favorite book and why?
Since I have had the opportunity to read from preschool to 2nd grade, I have developed a list of books that I love! One of them is The Night Gardener. The story and the illustrations always bring tears to my eyes and I have recommended this book to many grandmas! Another one that always makes me laugh is Dragons Love Tacos! As far as adult novels, one of the most compelling books I have read is Stones From the River and Defending Jacob. I still think about those books!
Why do you want to be a Words Alive Champion for Youth?
Reading is a critical skill for success in life; that’s why it is so important to support the young reader. If you can’t read, you are crippled severely. How would you learn to drive, read a lease, study for a career, and communicate with others if you could not read? That’s why I support being a Champion for Youth.
Stay tuned for more Champion Spotlights!
If you are a current champion and would like to be featured on this page, email [email protected] to get started!