43.5%
Creating physical resources, and libraries. Libraries are not only beneficial for individual children and young adults but also for empowering communities and building educational capacity system-wide at a national level.
Create Collection of Books: Once a safe space is created, we hope to collect books for libraries.
a cultural sociologist. He spent his formative years in Sendafa, located in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He obtained his PhD in cultural anthropology from Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. With over 25 years of experience working for academic institutions and non-profit organizations in Ethiopia and the United States, Kass has dedicated his career to making a positive impact in his field. Having grown up in an environment with limited resources, Kass has developed a deep passion for books and recognizes their transformative power in people’s lives.
has served as the Executive Director of the Spokane Public Library since 2013. Andrew has over 20 years of experience working with libraries and the communities they serve. He also serves on the Library Council for Washington State representing underserved populations and the Board of Trustees for Humanities Washington.
Professor VanDam, an expert in phonetics, speech production and perception, speech technology/vocal biotechnology, phonology, linguistic theory, and language. He is a highly knowledgeable and experienced scholar who is multilingual and has traveled extensively. Professor VanDam is passionate about ensuring that all children, especially those in disadvantaged communities, have access to books and literature. He currently works at the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University.
holds a Bachelor’s degree in Race and Culture Studies and Anthropology, with minors in Chicano Studies, Native American Studies, and Africana Studies from Eastern Washington University. In 2021, she obtained her Masters in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington – Bothell, and she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the future with a focus on multiracial identity development and its relationship with food. With over 10 years of experience working in Washington State’s Community and Technical College system, she has provided educational classes and programs to support marginalized students. Kim recognizes the importance of libraries in disadvantaged communities and how books can have a transformative impact on individuals’ lives.
