Media Advisory: Literacy in Community’s (LINC) Gala Will Celebrate the Importance of Diversity in Children’s Literature and the Power of Early Literacy

 Event will be held at Gotham Hall on Monday, May 19

NEW YORK, NY, May 9, 2025– Literacy in Community (LINC) will be sending a message that investment in early literacy is crucial and that diversity in children’s literature matters at its upcoming Spring Gala, Monday, May 19 at Gotham Hall. 

“Early childhood programs are not exempt from the turmoil currently taking place in our country around funding for education and community programs,” said Shari Levine, LINC’s Executive Director. “Early literacy is crucial to every good outcome for children as they grow. We can make sure every child has the support they need and deserve if we use our voices to insist on adequate investment from the government and others. LINC’s Spring Gala this year is one way we’re shouting this message from the rooftops.”

LINC’s gala will celebrate the power of literacy in young lives, making the point that literacy starts at birth and underscoring how important it is that children can see themselves and diverse cultures and traditions in the books they read. 

At the gala, LINC’s Champion for Children award will be given to Susie Jaramillo, children’s author and co-founder and CEO of Encantos and Canticos, the Emmy-nominated #1 bilingual pre-school brand. “Diversity is important in children’s literature because it helps kids see the potential in themselves and it helps kids love themselves,” says Jaramillo. “The best thing we can do for kids is to give them a strong foundation in who they are. LINC and I share a common mission of service to our communities. I am always happy to be a part of anything that LINC does.”

The organization's Mimi Levin Lieber Legacy Award will be given to Debora Mulrain, LINC’s Chief Community Officer and longest standing employee. For 27 years, Mulrain has been making a difference in New York City communities through her unwavering commitment to families and educational justice. The award is named for Mimi Levin Lieber, LINC’s founder and the driving force behind LINC’s community-centered educational model, who believed that literacy is essential for an equitable society and a thriving democracy. 

Dan Mannarino, PIX 11 Anchor, will emcee the Spring Gala, which will feature cocktails, a dinner with program, and a live auction conducted by Jennifer Wright, Christie’s.

Early literacy is tied not simply to children’s academic success, but also to their financial stability, positive health and mental health, and civic engagement as they become adults. Today over half of NYC public school third graders are reading below proficiency. 

LINC’s Spring Gala takes place on Monday, May 19, at Gotham Hall, NYC. For more information about the gala contact: npavlisko@lincnyc.org.

About Literacy in Community (LINC): Since 1996, LINC has worked to harness the power that exists in every community to make literacy a value and right of all children and promote educational equity. Early literacy is critical for children’s lifelong economic, social and health benefits. LINC’s two-generational Community Literacy Model connects families with each other and with community resources to surround children with literacy-rich environments inside and outside of home. When a child reads, a community succeeds! 

For more information about LINC, visit us at: https://www.lincnyc.org/programs or contact Virginia Taddoni, Associate Director of Communications, LINC at vtaddoni@lincnyc.org or 212-620-5462, ext. 133. 

About Encantos/Canticos: Encantos/Canticos creates stories that help children see the magic in who they are and all they can be. Their studio of original IP for screen, page, product and experience has built a devoted audience of parents who want entertainment that celebrates, elevates, and inspires. Susie Jaramillo, Co-founder and CEO of Encantos, is an Emmy-nominated director, artist, storyteller, and entrepreneur. She has won multiple awards from Kidscreen, Cynopsis Media, Publishers Weekly, and more. She serves on the Board of The Moth and Planet Media Task Force.