We are excited to continue our cohort model for our Read in Color® program. Twice yearly, we open applications to organizations interested in participating in a Read in Color cohort. A selection committee of Little Free Library staff and stakeholders reviews applications and invites the strongest applicants to participate in a six-month cohort experience. Let’s meet the selection committee for the Spring 2024 Read in Color cohort!
Shauntina Lilly (she/her) is a performance-driven communications and diversity equity & inclusion leader with proven experience in developing strategies and programming to effectively propel objectives forward. Lilly currently serves as the manager of public relations and diversity & inclusion at JOANN Stores, a specialty craft retailer headquartered in Hudson, OH. Reading literacy and book access is a deeply-rooted passion for Lilly, and ensuring people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive through books is paramount.
Benny Roberts (he/him) is from St.Paul, MN. He is a community focused and faith centered leader. He is an uncle to everyone’s kids and a stranger to no one! Benny has a passion for people of all walks of life and is gifted in working to shift organizational culture through building trusting relationships and casting vision. Roberts is a senior executive at Urban Ventures and founder of a philanthropic Art business, Bennyfits Oth=rs. Roberts also has devoted his life to youth and community work and believes that developing our youth strengthens every facet of our society. In his spare time he creates: words, music, poems, drawings, and songs. Benny is married to Jaralyn and they have a daughter, Jayla.
The name Wendy Shih (she/her) was given at birth is 施文莉, which roughly translates to bestow – literature – jasmine flower. She is a Read in Color library steward in Portland, OR, and serves on the board of a local nonprofit called Positive Charge! PDX, leading its Compassion Through Literature initiative. Wendy and her husband have two biracial kids, who are half Taiwanese/Chinese and half White. She believes it’s important for her kids and everyone in our communities to see themselves and others represented in books, and to read books that reflect the diversity of the human experience. Follow along with Wendy’s library adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
Shelby King | Little Free Library – Director of Programs
Shelby King (she/her) oversees Little Free Library’s programs – all of which provide no-cost book-sharing boxes and books to communities where books are scarce. She has been with the organization for 8 years and has worn a lot of hats during her time with LFL. Her favorite role has been working with partner organizations across the country to expand book access. She lives in Hudson, WI with her husband, two elementary-aged kids and her pitbull Pepperoncini. Shelby loves reading YA fiction, hosting parties, getting tattoos, and works hard to make sure the people she connects with feel valued and seen.
Lexie Neeley | Little Free Library – Program Manager, Read in Color
Lexie Neeley (she/her) has been a member of the Little Free Library team since 2019. With several years of experience working closely with stewards (and being a steward herself) and program execution, Lexie is known to ask, “How can I help?”. She lives and works in St. Paul, Minnesota with her dog, Petunia, and enjoys reading, cooking, and engaging with communities to foster meaningful connections.
Learn more about Read in Color and check out our Read in Color recommended reading lists.