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 (center, bottom)
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Pam Remy, Project Manager (center, top)
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Melia Coletta, Book & Donor Manager (right)
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Marienne Love Mubussi, Book Processor (left)
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
Katherine G. Cutko
Co-Founder, Public Librarian, Social Worker
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:
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
Melia Coletta
Book & Donor Manager
Marienne Love Mbussi
Book Processor