Meet Kimberly Jarvis

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Jarvis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.

Kimberly, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose by following a deep, lifelong sense that the world itself was a story. I believed it was written by an unseen author long before I ever heard of religion. From a young age, I saw life through a mystical lens. I was drawn to places that invited wonder: museums, libraries, reservations, and old buildings that seemed to hum with antiquity. Each one opened my eyes to new ways of seeing and thinking.

Yet, when I entered traditional classrooms, I felt the world narrow. The systems that were meant to open minds often imposed limits. It was books. The quiet, patient, transformative books helped bridge the gap for me. They connected the vastness of my imagination with the structure of learning. Through reading, I realized that stories have the power to move people the way dance moves bodies: both awaken something essential inside us.

That realization shaped everything I do. I now devote myself to helping authors, illustrators, and books reach those who are apprehensive, resistant, or reluctant to read. Whether I’m leading a creative aging workshop, consulting with educators, or directing the Buckeye Book Fair, my purpose remains the same. Use art, movement, and story to connect people with meaning, creativity, and one another.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As Executive Director of the Buckeye Book Fair, I have the privilege of connecting Ohio’s authors and readers in meaningful ways. The Buckeye Book Fair is the state’s oldest and largest literary festival, celebrating the power of books to inspire, educate, and unite communities.

My work begins with curiosity as I learn each author’s story, their creative process, and what inspires their writing. I also listen closely to readers, teachers, and families to understand what kinds of books spark their interest and imagination. Then, I bring these worlds together by organizing an annual festival where more than 100 authors gather to sign books, share stories, and meet the readers who love their work.

What makes this work special is the sense of connection it creates. I’ve seen reluctant readers light up after meeting an author who understands them, and writers moved by conversations with readers who found comfort or courage in their words. Beyond the fair, we host literacy programs, workshops, and youth events that nurture creativity and learning across Ohio.

Each year brings new energy and opportunities to celebrate Ohio’s literary talent—and it’s an honor to help build those bridges between stories and the people who need them most.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey more than anything else: curiosity, adaptability, and empathy.

Curiosity has always guided me. From exploring museums and libraries as a child to studying dance and integrative education abroad, curiosity has been my compass. It pushes me to continue learning about people, ideas, and systems. Continuous learning fuels creativity. My advice: stay curious even when you feel certain. Ask questions, seek new perspectives, and let wonder lead your growth.

Adaptability became essential as my work evolved from choreography to arts integration, and later to leadership and literacy. Each stage required new skills and the courage to begin again. For anyone starting out, embrace change as part of your process. Flexibility keeps you relevant and resilient.

Empathy is the bridge that connects all my work. Whether teaching, leading a team, or curating a book fair, understanding others’ experiences shapes authentic collaboration. To strengthen empathy, listen deeply to your peers, your audience, and yourself. The more you listen, the better you’ll lead, create, and connect.

Together, curiosity, adaptability, and empathy form the foundation for meaningful, sustainable work in any field.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I would spend it deepening my service to my family and beloved community through books and relationships. I would lean further into volunteer work within the literary world by supporting authors, illustrators, and readers, however I could. Books have shaped my entire life, and I believe they connect us in ways nothing else can. I would want to help strengthen that connection for as many people as possible.

Volunteerism and service have always been central to my work as a nonprofit administrator, but in my final decade, I would focus even more on the joy of giving back. I’d dedicate time to mentoring others who are passionate about arts, literacy, and community development, ensuring that the next generation carries the work forward.

Most importantly, I would savor time with my family. Reading together, sharing stories, and celebrating the simple beauty of words would be at the top of my list. For me, that would be the perfect way to honor a life built around creativity, connection, and the transformative power of books.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.BuckeyeBookFair.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckeyebookfair/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuckeyeBookFair/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buckeye-authors-book-fair-committee-inc
• Twitter: https://x.com/BuckeyeBookFair/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buckeyebookfair
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/buckeye-book-fair-wooster