Her Story
About Delilah
My passion for literacy began long before my career—it started at home. I come from a family of servant leaders who believed education is the foundation of who we are, and that belief has guided every step of my journey. Since 1992, I have dedicated my life’s work to ensuring that children and families have access to the tools they need to succeed through literacy.
What drives me is a simple but powerful belief: every child can learn to read. I have seen firsthand that when we meet children where they are—honoring their experiences and building on what they already know—we unlock their confidence and their potential. That belief fuels everything I do.
Through my work as the founder and Executive Director of the Emerging Learners Literacy Foundation, I have made it my mission to meet families where they are and support the literacy practices already happening in their homes. I believe some of the most powerful learning moments don’t begin in the classroom—they begin around kitchen tables, during bedtime stories, and in everyday conversations. That belief drives me to create practical resources and experiences that help families feel confident in supporting their children’s reading journey.
This work has grown through opportunities such as the Early Learning Quality Network grant and the Nurse-Family Partnership project, allowing us to place literacy tools directly into the hands of families and educators. From thoughtfully designed learning kits to community-based literacy experiences, every effort is centered on making literacy accessible, meaningful, and sustainable for the families we serve.
A key part of our impact is creating spaces where literacy and community come together. Through initiatives such as The Mindful Dinner and Music Experience, we raise funds to support our New Teacher Grant program, ensuring educators have the resources they need to succeed. We also host the National Reading Day Fair, bringing together families, educators, and community partners to celebrate and strengthen literacy practices in engaging and meaningful ways.
Our work is strengthened through partnerships with organizations such as the Children’s Museum of Houston, H-E-B, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Chick-fil-A, Frito-Lay, local schools, and other community organizations—each playing a vital role in expanding access to literacy resources for families.
As a professor in the College of Education at Texas Southern University, I have the privilege of working with graduate students—practicing educators—mentoring their research and guiding them in producing scholarship that advances the field of education and impacts classroom practice. Whether I am working with families, teachers, or future leaders, my goal remains the same: to create spaces where literacy can grow and where every child is given the opportunity to thrive.
I am also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Psi Mu Omega Chapter, where I continue to serve my community with purpose and passion.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Delilah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, consistency, and a deep sense of purpose. As a Christian, my faith has been the foundation of my journey—guiding my decisions, strengthening me through challenges, and reminding me that my work is part of a greater calling.
I was raised in a family of servant leaders who believed that education is the foundation of who we are, and that belief continues to ground me. Because of that, I don’t just feel called to this work—I feel obligated to give back. Everything I have been given is meant to be used in service to others.
I have learned the value of doing the work—showing up consistently, even when it’s difficult, and remaining committed to the vision. My passion for literacy has never been about programs or positions; it’s about impact. It’s about the children, families, and educators I serve.
For me, success is not measured by titles, but by the lives I am able to influence and the opportunities I can help create for others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is simple—stay true to your purpose and do the work. Not some of the work…all of the work. Be consistent, be prepared, and be willing to put in the time when no one is watching.
I was also taught not to chase titles, but to focus on impact. If you stay committed to serving people—children, families, and educators—the opportunities will come. But you have to be ready when they do.
And one thing I always carry with me—never forget why you started. When things get challenging, your purpose has to be stronger than your obstacles.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know your purpose and stand in it. Education is not just a career—it’s a calling. If you are entering this work, you have to be committed to serving others and doing what’s best for children, even when it’s not easy.
Do the work and learn your craft. Don’t rush the process. Take time to understand how children learn, how literacy develops, and how to be effective in the classroom. Your credibility will come from your knowledge and your consistency.
Find your voice and don’t be afraid to use it. You belong in every room you walk into. Be confident in what you know, but also stay open to learning and growing.
And most importantly, stay grounded. This work will challenge you, but it will also shape you. Keep your faith, stay connected to your “why,” and never lose sight of the impact you have on the lives of others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now is the gap between what we say about literacy and what students are actually able to do. We have to move beyond access and focus on effective instruction and real outcomes.
At the same time, this is a moment of opportunity. We have stronger research than ever before on how children learn to read, and there is a growing shift toward evidence-based practices.
For me, the greatest opportunity is in how we engage families. When we equip families with simple, practical strategies and connect literacy to everyday life, we begin to see real, lasting change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith, service, integrity, and consistency are the values that guide everything I do. My faith in God keeps me grounded and reminds me that my work is bigger than me—it’s about purpose and impact.
Service is at the heart of who I am. I believe I am obligated to give back, and that shows up in how I lead, how I teach, and how I show up for my community.
Integrity matters. I believe in doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy, and being intentional about the work I put into the world.
And finally, consistency. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from one moment—it comes from showing up every day, doing the work, and staying committed to the mission.
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