Alana Stevenson - I Would Rather Be Reading 2026

I believe literacy opens doors.

Through my work as Department Chair of General Studies at Simmons College of Kentucky, I see firsthand what education can make possible. The ability to read, learn, communicate, and confidently navigate the world impacts so much more than what happens in a classroom—it shapes the opportunities we can pursue and the futures we can imagine for ourselves.

That’s one of the reasons the work of I Would Rather Be Reading means so much to me.

I’m passionate about being an advocate for IWRBR—not only by supporting their work, but by speaking their name in rooms they aren’t in yet. I love connecting them with people who should know their mission, opening doors to new relationships, and helping more people understand the incredible work happening for kids and families across our community.

For Give for Good Louisville, I’m proud to use my voice and my network to support IWRBR and the young people they serve. Every gift helps create more opportunities for kids to strengthen their literacy skills, build confidence, discover what they’re capable of, and walk through doors that education can open.

I hope you’ll join me in opening a few more.