Volunteer Spotlight: Carla

How long have you been involved with The Literacy Alliance, and in what roles?
I’ve been involved with The Literacy Alliance since November, when I joined the Board as an intern. I began volunteering as a tutor with Project Reads in December, so I’ve had the chance to support TLA both through board involvement and direct service.

What inspired you to both volunteer and serve on the TLA Board?
I’ve loved reading since I was a child, and I’ve always believed literacy is an indispensable life skill. I also worked hard to pass that love of reading on to my children. When I learned more about TLA’s mission, it resonated immediately. Serving on the Board and volunteering felt like a meaningful way to support that mission and help make literacy more accessible in our community.

How has your perspective as a volunteer influenced your role on the Board (or vice versa)?
Tutoring keeps the mission grounded for me. Sitting with a child, seeing where they struggle, and watching their confidence build makes the work feel very real and very personal. That perspective helps me think about what support tutors need, what consistency looks like in practice, and how important it is to meet learners where they are. Being on the Board also helps me appreciate the structure, planning, and resources required to make that kind of tutoring possible and sustainable.

What has been the most meaningful or rewarding part of your experience so far?
The most meaningful part has been watching a child start to believe in themselves as a reader. When something clicks, or they read a little more smoothly than the week before, it’s incredibly rewarding. I also value being connected to an organization that treats literacy as the serious, life shaping skill it is.

Is there a particular moment, student, or experience that has stayed with you?
What’s stayed with me most is how quickly confidence can change everything. There are moments when a child goes from hesitating or second guessing to reading with more ease, and you can see the pride on their face. That shift is a reminder that patience, encouragement, and consistency matter.

What have you learned about yourself or others through your time with TLA?
I’ve learned, again, that progress is often quiet and gradual, and it still deserves to be celebrated. I’ve also been reminded how much children respond to someone who shows up, pays attention, and believes they can improve. It’s a powerful thing to be part of.

From your unique perspective, why is TLA’s work important to our community?
Literacy is foundational. It affects how a child experiences school, how they see themselves, and what opportunities feel possible. When we help a child build reading skills early, we’re not just helping them with books, we’re helping them build confidence and independence that can carry into every part of life. That ripple effect benefits families, schools, and the broader community.

If you were encouraging someone to get involved, whether as a volunteer or board member, what would you say?
I’d say you don’t have to be an educator to make a difference. If you can be consistent, encouraging, and willing to learn alongside a student, you can help change a child’s relationship with reading. And if you’re drawn to the bigger picture work, serving in a leadership role is a meaningful way to strengthen programs and expand impact.

What is a favorite book you would recommend to others, and why?
For an adult reader, I’d recommend Leadership and Self-Deception. It’s practical, thought provoking, and challenges the way we see ourselves and others, especially in relationships and leadership.

On a personal note, one of my favorite reading memories is enjoying The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with my children. It’s the kind of story that makes reading feel like an adventure and creates shared moments you don’t forget.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey with TLA?
I’m grateful to be involved in more than one way. Serving on the Board as an intern gives me a broader view of the mission, and tutoring lets me see the impact up close. Both have reinforced what I’ve believed for a long time: reading changes lives, and it’s worth showing up for.