Who We Are

We are immigrants, 1st-3rd generation Americans, and long-term citizens — all committed to creating a culture of welcoming and belonging.

Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director & Co-Founder (center, bottom)
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Pam Remy, Project Manager (center, top)
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Melia Coletta, Project Manager (right)
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Marienne Love Mubussi, Book Processor (left)

Photo by Mark Mattos Photography

Board Officers:

Pious Ali

Board President, Co-Founder, City Councilman, Portland Empowered

Kimberly Simmons, Ph.D

Board Vice President, Affiliated Scholar, USM Women and Gender Studies

Tim Wyand

Board Treasurer, Financial Advisor

Amy MacDonald

Board Secretary, Author, Community Organizer

Board Members:

Jen Boggs

Writer, Researcher, Public Relations, Toderico Creative

Xavier Botana

Retired School Superintendent

Deqa Dhalac

Maine State Representative, Co-Director Gateway Community Services

Audrey Maynard

Co-Founder, Children’s Book Editor and Educator

Charles Mugabe

Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services Case Worker

Advisory Board:

Dr. Krista Aronson, Ph.D

Director Diverse BookFinder, Bates College Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty

Maria Testa

Author, Poet, Activist

Founders:

Katherine G. Cutko

Co-Founder, Public Librarian, Social Worker

Delanie Honda

Co-Founder, ELL Educator

Reza Jalali

Co-Founder, Author, Educator, Storyteller

Terry Farish

Co-Founder, Author, New Arrival Literacy Coordinator

Anne Sibley O’Brien

Co-Founder, Author/Illustrator, Diversity Advocate

Staff:

Kirsten Cappy

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Melia Coletta

Book & Donor Manager

Marienne Love Mbussi

Book Processor

Pam Remy

Project Manager