About Us – United Voices of Literacy

Our Story

Empowering child literacy through storytelling.

The United Voices of Literacy, Inc (UVOLI) is an afterschool reading enrichment program designed for 3rd-7th graders reading below grade level.

We believe reading ability comes at different times for each child – students simply need the support. UVOLI meets students where they are to help them master foundational literacy skills.

Empowered by literacy, we know readers become leaders.

The Mission

To support the development of critical literacy skills for underserved 3rd-7th graders. UVOLI provides the tools to lead, starting with the ability to read.

The Vision

Everyone deserves the power to tell their story. UVOLI ignites a love of reading and speaking, providing a pathway for self-expression and personal growth.

Leadership

Literacy equips kids with the power to communicate ideas effectively, giving them the confidence to speak their minds, stand up for their beliefs, and lead discussions.

Empowerment

Literacy allows kids to read signs, access information without adults, and understand instructions. When a child can navigate the world, they are inspired to take charge and explore new interests.

Fun

From heroic characters and costume creation to accents and humor, dramatic reading allows our students to put themselves right in the middle of new ideas, places, and situations.

Collaboration

Literacy is not something kids should accomplish alone and we don’t want them to. UVOL provides a unit of support – trained volunteers, acting coaches, mentors, and local businesses – to uplift students.

OUR TEAMs

Get to Know Us

Meet Our Founder,
Leah Sayles

As a child, I longed for someone to notice my unique qualities – any of them! What I didn’t know was that in order to be noticed, I had to share myself. Vulnerability, however, was a trait my family didn’t pass on. I was private, timid, and only spoke when spoken to. As much as I wanted to be a part of the world, I stayed silent.

Books brought me out of my loneliness. Setting sails with the likes of Pippi Longstocking brought me into contact with new worlds and ideas. Reading allowed me to discover parts of myself in ways real life hadn’t. Soon enough, I began to find my voice, personality, and values.

Self-expression leads to better opportunities in your career, love life, family, and friendships. Silence only creates followers, not leaders. And I am a leader. Just like every student that participates in our program.

Meet the Board

Stephanie Walls

Event Specialist

Favorite Book: Charlotte's Web
If I were a book, the title would be:Always Indecisive, but Right On Time
Reading is important to me because:It involves comprehension to process words, helps with my analytical skills, and imagination. Reading also works your brain muscle.

Jeanette Hanna

Strategy & Planning

Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series
If I were a book, the title would be:I'm Tired but I Have One More Thing To Do
Reading is important to me because:Reading gives me a break from the real world - sometimes I need a good story with a happy ending.

Angelica Barnes

Marketing & IT Operations

Favorite Book: Catcher in the Rye
If I were a book, the title would be:Aww Nah, We Have to Optimize That
Reading is important to me because:Reading is like a window into someone else’s mind—offering connection, understanding, and perspective. It sparks my imagination to dream beyond my circumstances and, most importantly, is a powerful tool for self-growth.

Beverly Reynolds

Education Consultant

Favorite Book: Kindred
If I were a book, the title would be:Hmm. Not Today.
Reading is important to me because:Reading is how we uncover new worlds and understand the ones we’re living in. It’s how I find the right tools to open students’ minds to what’s possible—showing students how they can grow, adapt, and make a difference.

Jamal McCree

Talent Engagement

Favorite Book: The Alchemist
If I were a book, the title would be:If There's a Scene, I'm Stealing It
Reading is important to me because:Reading is like stepping into a new role—it lets me live a thousand lives, understand different perspectives, and stay inspired.

Meet the Team

Alyssa Dean

Admin Extraordinaire

Favorite Book: Percy Jackson Series
If I were a book, the title would be:Adventures Beyond the Ordinary
Reading is important to me because:Reading lets me escape into worlds where anything is possible. I love being able to experience things I could never imagine in my everyday life.

Our IMPACT ON STUDENTS & THE COMMUNITY

United Voices of Literacy Makes a Difference

We build literacy skills through storytelling, reading comprehension, and pubic speaking.

Elian Vazquez

We turn readers into leaders.

The Readers Are Leaders program helped Elian find his special superpowers. After spending a few sessions building his literacy skills, his confidence started to build too. He found that he began to believe in himself – belief in the strength of his voice, in his ability to convey his thoughts, and to communicate. Elian came back years later to tell his story. And the best part is that he isn’t just getting started anymore, he knows his potential and is in full pursuit of it.

Reading is Directly Correlated to Academic Success

From improving vocabulary and comprehension to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, reading enhances cognitive development and supports overall learning. Research shows that students who read frequently tend to perform better across all subjects, as they develop the ability to understand complex ideas, retain information, and communicate effectively.

Children who struggle to read are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), children without adequate reading skills by the end of fourth grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school. High-impact tutoring, which can be one-on-one or in small groups during the school day, can help identify and support students before the situation worsens.

Books contain 50% more words than TV, radio, and regular conversation

Books contain many words that children are unlikely to encounter frequently in spoken language. Books for kids actually contain 50% more words that children are unlikely to encounter frequently than regular conversation, TV or radio.

Sponsors & Partners

We are grateful for the sponsors and partners who support the United Voices of Literacy in our mission of bringing literacy to students reading below reading level. Without them, our programming just wouldn’t be possible.

Interested in Partnering or Sponsoring?
Whether you’re looking to sponsor a program or collaborate as a partner, we’d love to hear from you! Click below to complete the form , and a member of our team will get in touch with more details about how we can work together to create meaningful impact.