Meet Delilah Gonzales

We were lucky to catch up with Delilah Gonzales recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Delilah with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by my mother, Charritious McKinnie. From a young age, she exemplified dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility in all aspects of her life. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand my mother’s unwavering commitment to her family, her career, and her community.

Her work ethic was characterized by tireless effort and attention to detail in everything she pursued. Whether managing her professional responsibilities, supporting our family, or volunteering in our community, she approached each task with diligence and integrity. My mother’s ability to balance multiple roles with grace and determination left a lasting impression on me.

Beyond her actions, my mother also emphasized the importance of reliability and accountability. She taught me the value of honoring commitments, meeting deadlines, and striving for excellence in whatever I set out to achieve. Her high standards and insistence on doing things thoroughly and conscientiously have shaped my approach to work and life.

Moreover, my mother’s resilience in the face of challenges has been a constant source of inspiration. She demonstrated the ability to overcome obstacles with grace and optimism, never allowing setbacks to deter her from pursuing her goals. Her perseverance taught me the importance of approaching difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning.

In essence, my work ethic is a reflection of the values and principles she imparted to me. Her dedication, diligence, and resilience continue to guide me in striving for success, making meaningful contributions, and always giving my best effort in everything I do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a passionate advocate and leading expert in early literacy, I firmly believe in the principle that “students do not need to reform educators; educators must reform to meet the needs of their students.” My commitment to nurturing early childhood literacy learners is deeply rooted in the use of developmentally appropriate, research-based, and culturally relevant approaches for educators and families alike.

With over thirty years of experience in the field of early literacy instruction, I have had the privilege of serving in various influential roles including researcher, college professor, national speaker, elementary principal, and teacher. This extensive background allows me to contribute valuable insights to the early literacy discourse from both practitioner and researcher perspectives.

I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Emerging Learners Literacy Foundation, where our mission is dedicated to enhancing literacy skills among children, families, and early childhood educators. Our foundation champions early learners by advocating for home libraries and promoting literacy in underserved communities. We firmly believe in the transformative power of literacy and are committed to equipping individuals with essential skills for academic and life success, with a primary focus on early childhood literacy.

What sets our foundation apart is our holistic approach to literacy education. Beyond teaching children to read and write, we aim to cultivate a passion for learning, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Our programs integrate innovative teaching methods, interactive activities, and culturally relevant content to engage children, ensuring that learning is both enjoyable and meaningful.

In addition to our core programs, we offer family engagement literacy and oral language development workshops. These workshops provide parents and caregivers with valuable tools and strategies to support their children’s literacy development at home. We also emphasize the importance of building home libraries, recognizing that access to books is crucial in fostering a love for reading and enriching a child’s literacy journey.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is witnessing the profound impact on children’s lives. By equipping them with fundamental literacy skills, we empower children to excel academically and pursue their aspirations. We understand that literacy serves as more than just a tool for individual progress; it is a catalyst for positive social change, contributing to stronger, more vibrant communities where all children have the opportunity to thrive.

My academic journey includes earning a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership with a focus on Literacy, as well as a Master of Science in the same field with a focus on Early Childhood Education, from the University of Memphis. My commitment to academia continues as a tenured Associate Professor at Texas Southern University, where I strive to inspire and mentor future educators.

In recognition of my leadership and dedication to early literacy, I have been elected to serve on the International Literacy Association (ILA) Board of Directors and the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TxAYC) Board of Directors. These roles allow me to further advocate for early literacy initiatives and contribute to shaping policies that support children’s literacy development.

Through my work at the Emerging Learners Literacy Foundation and beyond, I am deeply committed to our mission and driven by a passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. I firmly believe that every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Together with my team, we are dedicated to turning this belief into reality through our unwavering commitment to early literacy education and empowerment.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful: adaptability and openness to change, commitment to lifelong learning, and strong communication and interpersonal skills. Throughout my career, the landscape of education has continuously evolved. Being adaptable allowed me to embrace new methodologies, technologies, and research findings, keeping my teaching and advocacy efforts relevant and effective. For those early in their journey, I advise embracing change rather than resisting it. Stay curious and open-minded, and when new tools or approaches are introduced, take the time to understand them and consider how they might enhance your practice. Flexibility will not only help you grow but also enable you to better meet the needs of your students or clients.

A dedication to continuous learning has been crucial in maintaining and expanding my expertise. This commitment has enabled me to stay current with the latest research, adapt my strategies, and continually improve my effectiveness as an educator and leader. Never stop learning. Pursue further education, attend workshops and conferences, read extensively, and engage with professional communities. Lifelong learning will keep you at the forefront of your field and allow you to make meaningful contributions.

Effective communication has been essential in all aspects of my work—from teaching and mentoring to collaborating with colleagues and advocating for literacy. It has allowed me to convey ideas clearly, build strong relationships, and inspire others. To develop your communication skills, practice and seek feedback. Engage in public speaking, write regularly, and actively listen to others. Building interpersonal skills such as empathy and collaboration will enhance your ability to work with diverse groups and create positive impacts.

Additionally, I recommend seeking mentorship and building networks. Surround yourself with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support. Networking can open doors to opportunities and resources you might not have otherwise encountered. Keep the bigger picture in mind and reflect on how your work can make a difference, staying motivated by the positive outcomes you seek to achieve. Finally, be patient and persistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so be patient with your progress and persistent in your efforts. Over time, your dedication will pay off. By cultivating these qualities and skills, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate and thrive in your professional journey.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is **”Tar Beach” by Faith Ringgold**. This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of an eight-year-old girl named Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who dreams of soaring above her Harlem home and claiming the city as her own. Through Cassie’s imaginative flights, Ringgold explores themes of freedom, empowerment, and the importance of family and community.

A few of the most valuable and impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book include the power of imagination and dreams. Cassie’s ability to envision herself flying over the city symbolizes the boundless potential and freedom that come with believing in oneself. This lesson has reminded me to always foster and encourage the imagination and dreams of young learners, recognizing them as essential tools for empowerment and growth.

Another significant theme is the importance of heritage and community. Cassie’s stories are deeply rooted in her family’s history and the rich culture of Harlem. This has reinforced the value of incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds and personal stories into the learning experience, making education more relatable and meaningful.

Lastly, the book highlights resilience and optimism. Despite the challenges Cassie and her family face, her dreams are never dimmed. This perspective has inspired me to instill a sense of resilience and hope in my students, encouraging them to rise above their circumstances and strive for their dreams.

“Tar Beach” has profoundly influenced my approach to education, reminding me of the importance of nurturing imagination, honoring cultural heritage, and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org
• Instagram: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org
• Facebook: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org
• Linkedin: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org
• Twitter: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org
• Youtube: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org
• Yelp: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org
• Soundcloud: ellf@emerginglearnersliteracyfoundation.org