Last week, I had the profound honor of delivering the ‘mission moment’ at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy’s New York Celebration of Reading. When I was 16, I volunteered at the @barbarabushfoundation National Celebration of Reading in Washington, DC in celebration of the anniversary of the signing of the National Literacy Act. I sat on the floor stuffing gift bags at the Library of Congress and helped in any way I could—simply to be in the room with literacy advocates who were making waves in the fight against illiteracy and working toward a stronger America. Now, at 25, I could not be more proud and humbled to have ten years of literacy advocacy culminate to this moment. As someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of literacy, I will continue to fight for all Americans to have access to an equitable education and champion the incredible power that literacy holds. Literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s the very foundation of learning and opportunity. Without it, we limit the potential of our young people, both in the classroom and in life. Thank you to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy for giving me the opportunity to share my story and highlight why prioritizing literacy is crucial to solving our nation’s most pressing challenges. It’s an honor to join forces and amplify this message. I look forward to sharing my speech with you soon, but for now, here are some photos to mark this unforgettable moment—one of the greatest honors of my life thus far. #literacymatters #literacy #readtosucceed #csi #service #impact #mission #missnewyorkorg #missnewyork #missamericaopportunity #missamerica