Today we’d like to introduce you to Justyn Boumah.
Hi Justyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Justyn Boumah is an internationally recognized youth leader, speaker, and international author whose work is rooted in expanding literacy and inspiring purpose in underserved communities around the world. He founded Heroes & Heart at age five, becoming one of the youngest nonprofit founders in the United States. Guided by a belief that access to books and encouragement can change lives, Justyn has helped create libraries and literacy spaces in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, as well as internationally in Warsaw, Poland; Libreville, Gabon; George, South Africa; and Kumasi, Ghana. These spaces are designed as welcoming environments where children, teens, and adults can discover the joy of reading, learning, and imagining new possibilities for their futures.
In addition to his literacy work, Justyn is the author of 14 children’s books and a TEDx speaker whose message has reached audiences nationally and internationally. He has spoken at schools, leadership events, and civic institutions, including the Nevada Legislature, encouraging others to lead with courage and compassion. His story and impact have been featured in major media outlets, including NBC Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, PBS, Newsweek, People Magazine TV, and TIME for Kids. In recognition of his service, the City of Las Vegas officially proclaimed May 15 Justyn Boumah Day, a day committed each year to celebrating the underserved and those who aren’t thanked.
Please see below Justyn’s latest library project in CCSD along with his feature time magazine.
Time Kid Magazine
6th Justyn Boumah Library in CCSD
For the Best of Justyn…
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Here are some more media links:
International Media:
German TV
National Media:
Time Kid Magazine
2023 NBC Nightly News Kids Edition
2022 NBC Nightly News Kids Edition
People Magazine TV
Blessing Project ABC News World Tonight
Las Vegas Local Media:
6th Justyn Boumah Library in CCSD
Las Vegas Library Fair
Little Mermaid Experience
VKZ Magazine Cover
Food Allergy Education
2023 RPS Fox News
Vegas Stronger Award Channel 13 KTNV
2023 MLK 8 News Now
Youngest Grand Marshal Las Vegas Review Journal Article
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?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing school, traveling, serving the community, and still making time to just be a kid. Sometimes projects take much longer than we expect, and not every idea works the first time.
Another challenge has been speaking in front of large groups. Even though I enjoy sharing my message now, I had to practice a lot to become more confident. I’ve also learned that helping others isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s difficult to find sponsors, raise donations, or organize events, but those challenges have taught me to be patient, creative, and never give up.
Every challenge has helped me grow. They remind me that kindness, perseverance, and faith can make a difference, even when the road isn’t easy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Heroes & Heart?
I am the founder of Heroes & Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, encouraging, and empowering communities through literacy, leadership, and legacy. Although I’m still young, I believe you don’t have to wait until you’re an adult to make a difference. Our goal is to show other kids that they can lead, serve, and create positive change right where they are.
Through Heroes & Heart, we organize programs like The Blessing Project, Art & Reading: A Book Tasting, STEMpreneurs, and Learning Is Fun Libraries. These initiatives help children discover the joy of reading, explore STEM, serve their communities, and develop leadership skills. We’ve also helped establish libraries in underserved communities around the world because we believe every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to learn.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just talk about kindness—we put it into action. Everything we do is hands-on and designed to inspire families, schools, and communities to serve together. I hope when people hear my story, they don’t just remember me; I hope they believe that they can make a difference too.
I’m most proud that our work has encouraged other young people to see that age doesn’t determine your impact. Whether it’s thanking community workers, speaking on stages, building libraries, or encouraging children to read, our mission is simple: inspire others to lead with kindness, serve with purpose, and leave a legacy that helps make the world a better place.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always been curious and enjoyed learning new things. Even when I was little, I loved asking questions, reading books, building with my hands, creating art, and exploring how things worked. I also enjoyed traveling and meeting new people because every place has something new to teach you.
Personality-wise, I’ve always tried to be kind, thoughtful, and encouraging. I like helping people, making others smile, and finding ways to make a positive difference in my community. My parents have always encouraged me to use my gifts to serve others, and that’s become a big part of who I am.
Today, I still enjoy reading, STEM activities, art, public speaking, and community service. I believe every experience is an opportunity to learn, grow, and help someone else. I’m grateful that I get to combine my interests with serving others, and I hope to inspire other young people to discover their own purpose and use their talents to make a difference.
Pricing:
- $1 Donation
- $5 Donation
- $10 Donation
- $15 Donation
- $50 Donation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heroesandhearts.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroesandheartslv?igsh=YWU2OGJxeHYyM243&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroesandheartslv?
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justyn-boumah-195543222?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
- Twitter: https://x.com/toddler_the?s=11&t=JJe_o1Tlij5zOIMjO0otuA https://youtube.com/@justynboumah?si=KPNREGQzq_X72PYD
- Other: https://youtube.com/@justynboumah?si=KPNREGQzq_X72PYD
