Thank You and Meet Our New Staff

Thank You for Helping Us Bridge the Digital Divide!

Dear Friends and Supporters of Literacy Source,

Thank you for your generous donations to promote equity by bridging the digital divide. Your contributions have connected students with the essential technologies, internet access, and staff time needed to continue working toward their educational goals.

Our initial aim in mid-August was to raise $10,000 to provide students with digital access. Within a few short weeks, we have raised an incredible $24,135 so far from supporters like you. Your generosity empowered us to take full advantage of the $5,000 matching gift opportunity that Literacy Source received from an anonymous donor.

We are moved by how our communities have come together to build a more inclusive and equitable society. Thank you for your continued support!

If you would like to help even more students gain access to the supplies they need to participate in our virtual classes and tutoring, please make a gift here.

Welcome to Our New Co-Executive Director

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are very excited to announce some important changes at Literacy Source. We have moved to a Co-Executive Model to better support the needs of our vibrant and growing organization. Please join us in welcoming Shira Rosen as Co-ED, Managing Director. Shira will work alongside Cat Howell, Co-ED, Educational Director, who is familiar to many of you from her over 10 years leading the education team at Literacy Source. Shira joins us bringing over 20 years of nonprofit management experience in a multitude of roles. Together they will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to shape Literacy Source's future, incorporating diversity, inclusion, and equity into all aspects of its operations. We feel very fortunate to have such a strong team leading the organization in these challenging times. Welcome all!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Collins-Friedrichs

President, Board of Directors

Introducing Shira Rosen, Co-ED, Managing Director

Shira Rosen, MSW

Co-Executive Director, Managing Director

Shira joined Literacy Source in August and is excited to be a Co-ED together with Cat Howell, Co-ED, Educational Director. Shira has over 20 years of experience in nonprofits, primarily in youth development and education. She has been an Executive Director, Program Director, Development Director, and Teacher at a community college. Most recently she was Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Seattle and was previously a Co-Founder and former Co-Director of Camp Ten Trees. Shira lives in Seattle with her husband, 3 stepdaughters, and James the dog. She enjoys the outdoors, soccer, reading, and playing board games.

Introducing Chris Potter and Ruth Diaz, New Literacy Source Staff

Literacy Source is thrilled to welcome two new staff members, Chris Potter and Ruth Diaz, to our growing team.

Chris Potter

Development and Communications Coordinator

Chris will collaborate with Shira to manage Literacy Source's donor relationships, fundraising operations, and marketing and communications.

As the granddaughter and daughter of Chinese immigrants, Chris is passionate about building an equitable society where everyone has access to the opportunities to pursue their dreams. Chris studied at the University of Washington and received her B.A. in Anthropology, with an emphasis on Asian and Pacific Islander voices, and a sub-focus on diverse representation in film. Prior to joining the Literacy Source team, she worked in nonprofit development and events in the Chinatown-International District. In her free time, Chris hangs out with her twin sister and their black cat, Mochi. She also runs a stained glass art business, Chris Potter Glass, and works on writing her science-fiction suspense novel.

Ruth Diaz

Adult Basic Education and Citizenship Program Assistant

Ruth will work closely with tutors to match them with students, as well as teach Citizenship ESOL 2-4 courses.

Ruth brings her experience working with youth in low-income areas, refugees, and immigrants to Literacy Source. She previously worked in education, tutoring at the International Rescue Committee and serving as a workshop lead with Renaissance 21. Ruth strives to continue working for growth and development in minority communities, to fight for issues that affect them, and to help youth and adults overcome systemic barriers. She graduated with a B.A. from the University of Washington, double-majoring in International Studies and Geography, and minoring in Global Health and Diversity. In her spare time, Ruth loves hiking, traveling, and playing with her German shepherd puppy, Thiago. She also enjoys cooking and trying new recipes.

To meet other members of the Staff and Board, please click here.