Webinar: A Story Like Mine: A Conversation About Inclusive Books by SMART Reading

About this Webinar

Books are one of the first tools kids use to learn about the world around them.
In honor of National Book Month, you’re invited to join SMART Reading and some special guests for a webinar about why getting books into the hands and homes of children is so critical.

In a moment where efforts to ban books that include marginalized identities are on the rise nationally, we’ll discuss why all children benefit from access to engaging, inclusive books that uplift their own identities, give them windows into the lives of others, and teach them about both the wonders and challenges of our world – and how you can help!

Attendees will also learn about how SMART selects books and how the community can help by volunteering or making a gift to help fund the purchase of inclusive books.

Jessica Bowersox

Executive Director

Jessica became SMART’s Executive Director in July 2022. She has been with the organization since 2010, as the Communications Director and later the Deputy Director. As a member of the organization’s executive leadership team, she has played an integral role in setting the strategic vision and working with staff and board leadership to fulfill that vision. She also has 17 years’ experience in public relations and marketing within communications agencies and the nonprofit sector. Jessica has Bachelor’s degrees in Public Relations and Magazine Journalism from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Willamette University.
Rashelle Chase-Miller

Program Director

Rashelle comes to SMART with 20+ years' experience creating equitable, culturally responsive educational experiences for young children as well as leadership in early learning organizations. Most recently, she worked for KinderCare Education, managing the professional development and curriculum strategies for KinderCare’s education programs, which operate in 40 states and serve over 150,000 children. She also has experience as a preschool teacher and administrator. Rashelle has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Black Studies from Pitzer College and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University.
Jelani Memory

CEO & Founder of A Kids Co.

As a Black father of six, entrepreneur Jelani Memory wanted to talk to his kids about race and racism. So, he wrote a book: A Kids Book About Racism. That one little book evolved into a powerful media company that’s disrupting the publishing industry, creating brand new bold stories for kids across audio and video, and above all, empowering a generation of kids with diverse stories. In raw, uplifting talks, Jelani shares his unusual entrepreneur's journey. He reveals how passion, vulnerability, and good business sense can lead to true innovation — the kind of innovation that can create a brighter, more just world.

Jelani Memory is a Black entrepreneur and storyteller. He launched A Kids Co. in 2019 with his now-bestselling book, A Kids Book About Racism. Prior to starting his kids media company, Jelani co-founded Circle Media Labs, Inc., a hardware/software company where he served as the Chief Product Officer. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and six kids.
Nancy Nightingale

Children's Librarian

Nancy Nightingale is the Children's Librarian at the Jackson County Library Services Medford Branch. Previously, they were a Children's Librarian at the Montrose Regional Library District in Colorado, where they implemented a programming initiative for LGBTQ+ patrons across all ages and departments. They received their MLIS from The Information School at the University of Washington in 2021.
Rachel Kimbrow

Founder, Linda Letra Bilingual Books

Rachel Kimbrow, founder of Linda Letra Bilingual Books, has a passion for equity through literacy and twenty years of experience in elementary education in both the US and in Latin America. She had been a classroom teacher, language development specialist and instructional coach among other roles. Connecting bilingual programs, schools and families to high quality books has been a passion that began as a SMART AmeriCorp VISTA volunteer coordinator over 20 years ago!