I was honored to serve as keynote speaker for the Christ Child Society of Milwaukee’s “Shower of Love 2025” at the Italian Community Center on October 22. Together we explored how literacy matters—from day one—and why families are children’s first and forever teachers. We reflected on the power of talk, books, and print in everyday life, and I shared tools that parents, grandparents, volunteers, and community members can use right away to nurture reading at home and in our neighborhoods.
After the program, I enjoyed conversations with attendees: a grandmother supporting her dyslexic grandchildren, a volunteer excited about early-childhood literacy in her school, and parents and neighbors weaving reading into family routines and community work. Thank you to everyone who brought warmth, stories, and partnership to the day.
If you or your organization would like to book a talk or workshop on early literacy, please visit mayasmart.com/speaking.
