Innovative Female Disruptors: Kassi Kincaid's Impact on Literacy
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Chapter 1: The Power of Believing in Your Ideas
In the world of disruption, believing in your vision is crucial. Being a trailblazer means venturing into uncharted territories, and it often requires a strong commitment to your ideas, especially when others may not share your enthusiasm.
We had the privilege of interviewing Kassi Kincaid, a TEDx speaker and the founder of Book Days, a transformative children's literacy initiative. Her program is dedicated to enhancing the reading experience for young minds, emphasizing the importance of creativity in making a lasting impact. Kassi's journey has unexpectedly positioned her as a change agent, inspiring not only children but also adults to reignite their own creative passions.
Kassi, could you share a bit about your background and what led you to this career?
I pursued a business degree in college, and during my studies, I completed an internship at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That experience ignited my passion for working with children and improving their lives. After graduating, I took on a role as an administrator at my family's preschool. While I enjoyed the job, I felt a need for a creative outlet, which led me to create Book Days—a global literacy initiative pairing children's literature with engaging experiences.
Section 1.1: Disrupting Illiteracy Through Engagement
What makes your work a disruptor in the literacy space?
My approach disrupts the conventional methods of addressing illiteracy by bringing stories to life. I embark on 2–3-day book tours at Title 1 elementary schools, showcasing beloved children's books like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. During these events, I perform readings as the book's character and facilitate memorable photo opportunities for the students. This innovative experience aims to ignite excitement around reading, motivating children to engage with literature. Unlike traditional literacy programs, Book Days is unique in its focus on creating lasting, joyful memories around reading.
Subsection 1.1.1: Learning from Mistakes
Can you share a humorous blunder from your early days?
One of my funniest moments was during a Book Day featuring Llama Llama Red Pajama. I forgot to turn off a fan positioned above our reading area. The tall llama costume my colleague wore bumped into it, and one of the ears flew off in front of the kids. It was quite a sight! I learned the importance of preparation and that every detail counts in ensuring a successful event.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Mentorship
Who have been your mentors, and how have they influenced you?
Dr. Don Christian and Dr. Lynette Gillis from Concordia University Texas played significant roles in my development. Dr. Christian, my Intro to Business professor, once had us color on our first day of class to illustrate the value of thinking outside the box. This lesson deeply resonated with me and has been a guiding principle in my journey. Both mentors encouraged me to pursue meaningful work, and they continue to inspire my efforts in making a difference.
Chapter 2: Wisdom Gained Along the Journey
What are three key pieces of advice that have shaped your path?
- Cultivate Ideas: In college, I took a course on creativity that emphasized generating numerous ideas without fear of judgment. This principle has become a cornerstone of my creative process.
- Believe in Your Vision: As a disruptor, it's essential to advocate for your ideas, even when faced with uncertainty. My various outreach efforts for Book Days required me to maintain faith in our mission, regardless of the challenges.
- Build Connections: Collaborating with others can significantly amplify your impact. My partnership with Derrick Johnson, a former Kansas Chief and founder of Defend the Dream, exemplifies how shared goals can inspire young readers across our communities.
How do you envision the future of your work?
After a successful year in Austin, I plan to expand Book Days beyond Texas, reaching schools nationwide.
What unique challenges do women disruptors face?
Women often encounter ego and cultural biases that their male counterparts may not experience. For instance, the representation of female speakers in various industries is disproportionately low, which can limit women's voices and authority.
Is there a particular book or talk that has inspired you?
Simon Sinek's TEDx talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," profoundly influenced my thinking. It highlights the importance of understanding our motivations. During the early days of Book Days, I took initiative during holiday breaks to seek funding, believing in the innovative potential of our program. To my surprise, I received a donation far beyond my expectations.
What movement would you inspire for the greater good?
I would advocate for people to harness their creativity for positive change, as I have. Everyone possesses creativity that can contribute to the world.
What life lesson quote resonates with you?
My favorite quote by Wayne Gretzky is, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." This serves as a reminder to embrace opportunities without fear of failure. Book Days has flourished because I continually reach out, share my vision, and seek collaboration.
How can readers connect with you online?
I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn for updates. For specific news about Book Days, feel free to visit our website, www.bookdays.org!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us!