Eryn Turner

I attribute my success to being willing to step outside my comfort zone and take chances, even when I feel uncertain. When I was first asked to apply for the Executive Director position, I said no several times because I didn't think I was the right fit. But after the third ask, I decided to be honest about what I knew and what I didn't know, and I threw my hat in the ring on the last day applications were being accepted. I think what has made me successful is that I'm always interested in learning new things and developing the ability to adapt quickly in leadership roles. I also stay very organized and live by my Google Calendar because I wear so many different hats as the sole staff member running all aspects of the nonprofit. Most importantly, I stay committed to our mission-driven purpose of supporting literacy and ensuring that children and families in our community have access to resources that support learning and growth. I approach my work with a strong sense of responsibility to the community we serve.

I’m not sure there’s one specific piece of advice that stands out as the “best” I’ve received, but I’ve been very fortunate to work alongside women who I’ve learned a great deal from. I’ve tried to emulate the way they lead with empathy and compassion, while also showing confidence and knowing when to speak up and be heard. Watching how they listen, build relationships, and carry themselves has been some of the most valuable guidance I’ve had. It’s reinforced for me that people may forget what you’ve said, but they never forget the way you’ve made them feel, and that how you show up for others can have a lasting impact.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace opportunities, even when you feel uncertain or outside your comfort zone. Some of the most meaningful growth comes from saying yes before you feel fully ready and staying open to learning along the way. I also remind myself of two simple things: the ABCs, Always Be Curious, because curiosity keeps you learning and helps you understand what works and what doesn’t, and to do one thing each day to improve the world around you. It can be something small, like picking up trash or holding the door open, or something bigger, but that mindset helps you stay connected to your work and your community in a meaningful way.

The biggest challenge we're facing right now is securing consistent funding for our nonprofit programs, especially with the federal funding cuts that have impacted the First Books program. We had 16 classes cut due to federal funding reductions, and we expect that if not 100% cut this year, then it will be 90% to 95% cut. This program has been phenomenal, serving about 805 kids every year and distributing 46,000 books over the last 16 years, with participating children scoring about 20% higher on literacy assessments than kids who aren't in the program. We're working to make sure it's fully funded for the 2026-2027 school year by building a long-term, evergreen monthly sponsorship program where individuals and businesses can sponsor classes. On the opportunity side, I see strong potential in creative fundraising strategies and community engagement. Our viral t-shirt campaign showed that when you create something that resonates with people and becomes a rallying point for the community, you can raise significant funds very quickly. We're also focused on expanding programs that support early childhood literacy and education access, and building long-term sponsorship and donor relationships to sustain these critical programs for future generations.

The values most important to me are community impact, education access, creativity, and service. I'm deeply passionate about ensuring that children and families have access to resources that support learning and growth, and I approach my work with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to our community. Literacy and education advocacy are at the heart of everything I do. I believe in the power of community-building initiatives and creative campaigns that bring people together for a cause. It's really important to me that we're making a tangible difference in people's lives, especially for kids who might not otherwise have access to books and early literacy programs. I also value collaboration, which is why even though I'm the sole staff member, I always want it to feel like a 'we' effort and make sure that accolades get shared around with the whole team, including our volunteer board and all the organizations we partner with.