Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Harris-Bird.
Hi Joy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story began in 2019 when I wrote my very first children’s book, “Zoey The Great.” It was a labor of love, and little did I know that it would be the starting point for an incredible journey. At that time, I never imagined the impact it would have on my life and the lives of others.
In 2021, tragedy struck my family when my brother lost his battle with COVID. It was a devastating blow, and I struggled to find meaning amidst the grief. Determined to honor his memory, I decided to channel my pain into something positive and meaningful. With a newfound purpose, I launched Read To Lead, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to promoting literacy and empowering children. Inspired by my brother’s passion for giving, I set out on a mission to make a difference in the lives of young readers.
One of the earliest milestones of Read To Lead was the book drive I organized. Through the unwavering support of friends, family, and the community, I was able to collect an astounding 800 books. Each one held the potential to spark imaginations, inspire dreams, and provide comfort to children in need.
I donated these books to the local children’s hospital and the Boys and Girls Club, witnessing firsthand the joy they brought to young faces. It was a profoundly rewarding experience, and it only fueled my determination to continue making a positive impact.
Since then, my creative journey has continued. I poured my heart and soul into writing four more children’s books, each with its own unique message of love, courage, and imagination. Additionally, I embarked on an exciting venture by creating an animated series titled “Kalifornia Dream,” designed to entertain and educate young minds. Read To Lead has also blossomed into a fully operating non-profit organization. We are working on collaborating with schools, libraries, and community centers to foster a love for reading and empower children to become leaders in their own lives. In many ways, my story is still unfolding, and I am humbled and grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I am committed to making a lasting difference, one book, one child, at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the early struggles I faced was self-doubt. As a first-time author, I questioned whether my book, “Zoey The Great,” would resonate with readers and make an impact. Overcoming this doubt and finding the courage to share my work with the world required a great deal of personal growth and belief in my creative abilities. I also struggled finding illustrators who shared my vision. With my first book, I had two illustrators who took my deposit but never provided the work. It took time to build a network of trusted individuals who could help bring my vision to life.
Another challenge arose when I established Read To Lead. While the concept was born out of a genuine desire to make a difference, the process of organizing a book drive and navigating the logistics proved to be more challenging than anticipated. It required planning, effective communication, and the support of volunteers to ensure the success of the initiative. Fundraising and securing resources were also hurdles I encountered along the way. As a non-profit organization, Read To Lead relies on financial contributions and in-kind donations to sustain its mission. I had to devote significant time and effort to seeking partnerships, grants, and sponsorships to ensure the continuity of our programs.
Additionally, balancing the demands of writing, creating an animated series, and managing the operations of a non-profit organization proved to be a juggling act. It required careful time management, prioritization, and the ability to delegate tasks to a dedicated team of volunteers. Despite these challenges, the passion and purpose behind my work propelled me forward. Each obstacle served as a learning opportunity, helping me refine my skills, build resilience, and strengthen my commitment to the cause.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Read To Lead is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy and empowering children. Our primary focus is on inspiring a love for reading and fostering leadership skills among young readers. We strongly believe that literacy is the foundation for personal growth, educational success, and future opportunities.
What sets Read To Lead apart is our multifaceted approach to making a difference. We not only strive to provide children with access to books but also offer engaging programs and initiatives that support their overall development. We are known for our book drives, where we collect and distribute books to underserved communities, schools, and organizations. Through these book drives, we aim to create a positive and nurturing reading environment for children who may not have easy access to books.
Our animated series, Kalifornia Dream, is another unique aspect of our brand. It combines entertaining storytelling with educational content, capturing children’s imaginations while teaching important life lessons. At Read To Lead, we are most proud of the positive impact we have made in the lives of countless children. Witnessing their joy, enthusiasm, and growth as they develop a love for reading and embrace their potential as leaders is immensely rewarding.
We want readers to know that Read To Lead is more than just a non-profit organization. We are a community of passionate individuals dedicated to empowering children and transforming their lives through the power of literacy. Whether you are a parent, educator, or community member, we invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact on children’s lives, opening doors of opportunity and empowering them to create a brighter future.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I definitely consider myself a risk-taker, as I firmly believe that taking risks is often necessary for personal and professional growth. One major risk I took was walking away from my career as an educator to pursue my passion full-time. While I cherished my role as an educator, I knew deep down that my purpose to educate children extended beyond the confines of a classroom.
I had a dream of producing content and providing access to education and literacy on a broader scale, which required my full dedication and time. It was a risk to leave the security of a full-time position, with its stable income and familiarity, but I believed it was a risk worth taking. By embracing this risk, I opened myself up to a world of opportunities and the ability to make a more significant impact. It allowed me to devote my energy and resources fully to the creation of engaging children’s books, the development of an animated series, and the growth of Read To Lead as a non-profit organization.
Taking this risk also required careful planning and preparation. I had to consider the financial implications and create a roadmap for success. It meant being resourceful, seeking partnerships, and exploring different avenues for funding and support. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was aligned with my passion and purpose, which made it feel right.
I am grateful for the risk I took. It has allowed me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly, make a positive impact on the lives of children, and build a brand that resonates with readers and communities. It has taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and having the courage to pursue what truly fulfills me.
Pricing:
- Bronze Sponsorship – $50
- Silver Sponsorship – $100
- Gold Sponsorship – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.readtoleadtx.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyharrisbird
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@kaliforniadream
