Meet Nicole Fenner

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Fenner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Nicole, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
How I Discovered My Purpose: A Journey into Literacy Advocacy

In the vast tapestry of life, finding one’s purpose can be an intricate and personal odyssey. For me, it unfolded in the profound realm of literacy. Picture a world where navigating everyday tasks becomes challenging without the ability to read road signs or envision a child hesitating to read aloud in class due to reading insecurity. Amidst many community issues, my passion concerns one profound purpose—literacy.

The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home before beginning school. (National Commission on Reading, 1985). Recognizing the crucial role of familial empowerment in fostering a love for reading, Sister Girl Publishing emerged to address the need for early childhood literature. Our mission is to create inspiring books that empower children to believe in themselves, promoting self-esteem through characters they can relate to.

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a key indicator of a child’s educational, health, and social success, as well as high school graduation (Child and Family Policy Center). Sister Girl Publishing aims to contribute to this crucial milestone by providing educational resources such as books, journals, motivational coloring books, and educational technology resources. These resources, adorned with vibrant illustrations and captivating storylines, are beacons of inspiration, fueling a desire to explore more literary adventures.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My vision extends beyond individual impact to a collective endeavor—the 50k Sister Girl Book Initiative. I aim to place 50,000 Sister Girl Books into the hands of 50,000 children by the end of 2024.

The Sister Girl Collection is an empowerment book series that encourages young children to be courageous,
creative, and to live productive lives. Each book teaches a new lesson, skill, or touches on exploring the
world.

This initiative gained recognition at the PBS NC Impact Early Childhood Education Summit, where we proudly announced our mission.

PBS NC supported our goal and purchased 400 books to aid our cause. Yet, our mission is far from over. The 50k Book Initiative is a movement to empower young minds through literacy by taking books directly into our community.

Your participation is crucial in sponsoring classrooms, donating books to after-school programs, providing literature to women’s and children’s shelters, and reaching children in book deserts through community organizations. Literacy is the cornerstone of achievement; together, we can inspire transformative change in our communities. Join us on this empowering journey, one book at a time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have significantly shaped my path:

1. Passion and Purpose: My unwavering passion for literacy and a clear sense of purpose have driven my journey. To those starting their journey, I advise exploring various interests, identifying what truly resonates with their core values, and channeling that passion into a purpose that fuels their endeavors.

2. Resilience: The journey, primarily focusing on social impact and literacy, is bound to encounter challenges. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, has been crucial. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, learn from failures, and persist in the face of obstacles. Each setback is a stepping stone toward more extraordinary achievements.

3. Collaboration and Networking: Building meaningful connections and collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations have been instrumental in expanding the reach of my initiatives. Networking opens doors to opportunities, diverse perspectives, and collective impact. Early on, focus on building authentic relationships, actively participating in communities related to your field, and seeking mentorship from experienced individuals.

My advice for those embarking on their journey is to stay curious, remain open to learning, and be adaptable. Embrace the inevitable twists and turns, often leading to unexpected opportunities. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek guidance from mentors, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. Continuously hone your skills, stay informed about industry trends, and be willing to evolve. Most importantly, never lose sight of your passion and the impact you aim to make—it will be the driving force that propels you forward, even in the face of challenges.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As we embark on this transformative journey with the Sister Girl Collection 50k Book Initiative, I am actively seeking collaboration with corporate sponsors, brand partnerships, and civic organizations who share a passion for literacy and education.

Additionally, I am open to partnering with influencers dedicated to positively impacting the world. Your support is invaluable in spreading the light of literacy, and I invite Black Enterprise, The Root, PopSugar, HuffPost, and other outlets to join us in amplifying this vital cause. Together, we can empower young minds and create a lasting impact through the gift of books.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Nicole Fenner Illustrations: Abira Das Porsha Carr

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