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 Fall 2025 Read in Color cohort!
Nadine Abery – Birchbark Books
Nadine Abery (she/her) has a Masters in Library and Information Science and is the General Manager of Birchbark Books, an independent, Native-owned bookstore in Minneapolis. Nadine does a little bit of everything at Birchbark, including the management of bulk orders for schools and libraries and organizations like Little Free Library! She has helped Read in Color place orders with Birchbark Books to ensure their libraries are full of Indigenous-authored and illustrated stories.
David Hawn – Little Free Library Board Member
Most recently, David Hawn (he/him) served as President and CEO of Urban Ventures, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to poverty alleviation through comprehensive programs that support families from cradle to career. Urban Ventures was also Little Free Library’s community partner in our inaugural Read in Color launch in Minneapolis, MN in 2020. Under his leadership, Urban Ventures tripled its annual fund revenue, successfully completed a $10 million capital campaign, expanded a vocational training program for high school students, and launched an innovative early learning center during the pandemic. Additionally, he developed a diversion program for first-time gun offenders, providing mentorship and guiding young men of color through personal growth and transformation. David specializes in interim CEO roles, providing stability and strategic vision to organizations in transition. He is active on several boards and is committed to contributing to his church community and various community-focused initiatives.
Suzanne Johnson – Little Free Library | Chief Financial Officer
Suzanne Johnson oversees the finances of Little Free Library. She has been with the organization for two years and enjoys working for an organization that focuses on literacy and book access in areas of high need. She finds great joy in seeing a child select a book that opens their mind and allows their imagination to flourish. She lives in Shakopee, MN with her husband, three teenagers and two cats. Books have played a key role in their household, with all members being avid readers. Suzanne loves reading thrillers, spending time outdoors and watching sports.
Kisha Greenidge-Kader – Little Free Library | Change & Action for Racial Equity (C.A.R.E.)
Kisha works in Corporate America and is the founder and director of Change and Action for Racial Equity (C.A.R.E.), a group of volunteers who lead by embodying the change we wish to see in the world. Our mission is rooted in the belief that true change begins with action. Kisha is passionate about empowering communities and individuals and believes education and reading are among the most powerful tools to transform lives. The Little Free Libraries (LFLs) initiative is a natural fit as it aligns with Kisha’s passion and C.A.R.E. ‘s mission and it allows us to promote literacy, encourage book ownership, and inspire lifelong readers in communities. When we create access to knowledge, we create the foundation for lasting change.
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, MN, with her partner, Cory, and her dog, Petunia. She 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.