Jaclyn Vitela Jacqmin

Board President

 

I am originally from the Madison area. With the encouragement of family members, dedicated teachers, and librarians, I became an avid reader as a child. Even though I grew up surrounded by books, few of them authentically represented my experiences as a multiracial girl. I want today’s young readers to be surrounded by books that represent their identities and experiences. Understanding the importance of representation in children’s literature is foundational to Madison Reading Project (MRP), which strives to provide children with high quality books that represent diverse identities and interests. It is my privilege to lead a board with this mission. ​

 

I have fifteen years of experience as a professional educator specializing in the area of literacy. I began my life as an educator teaching high school English, English as a second language (ESL), and Spanish for heritage speakers. I went on to earn my Master’s degree from UW Madison. I continued my career in the Madison area as a K-5 school librarian, bilingual teacher leader, and instructional coach for elementary Dual Language and ESL programs. I then served the Verona Area School District (VASD) in a district-wide leadership role as their Continuous Improvement and Title I Coordinator. My professional journey continues in my current role as an elementary Curriculum and Learning Specialist. ​

 

I am completely dedicated to Madison Reading Project’s mission. Both my personal and professional experiences have led me to recognize the importance of providing children with culturally and linguistically sustaining books. Access to these books foster the belief within all children that they belong in every room today and tomorrow. Madison Reading Project gives children opportunities to develop the literacy skills needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Sarah Brenden

Vice President

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​I am a lifelong Madison area resident and have chosen to raise my family here, as well. Currently, I live in Verona with my husband and our teenage son. I went to High School in Monona, college at UW Madison and have been growing my career as a Private Banker for Park Bank in Madison for nearly 12 years. I love my community bank and appreciate their dedication to our clients and focus on giving back to the community in which they do business. I've always loved volunteering for groups that I find meaningful. Some of my favorite organizations include, Luke House, Empty Stocking Club, the Ronald McDonald House, Garding Against Cancer, and I'm also currently a Board Member with the Fitchburg Chamber Visitor and Business Bureau.

 

I'm an avid reader and believe that the skills and opportunities that result from an early, healthy relationship with books are essential to the fabric of our communities. Providing reading materials for youngsters to cherish and meaningful programming in our communities in an effort to champion literacy is a benefit to us all.

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I joined the MRP Board to lend my time and skills to a cause I believe in.

Jennifer Hatlen

Board Member

 

I have lived in the Milwaukee or Madison area for most of my life. I am a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Graduate. I have recently volunteered for Madison Reading Project and have been impressed with the organization and the number of lives this organization has touched. My husband and I have three sons who all attend college in Wisconsin. I feel blessed and very passionate to be part of an organization that impacts children’s lives and allows children a means to succeed. Throughout my professional career, I have served in a variety of leadership, community and professional committees.

 I currently work at TASC (Total Administrative Services Corporation) as the Manager of Business Intelligence and Data. At TASC, I am also the Chairperson for the Woman’s United at TASC Philanthropy team. I am happy to be a part of a company that takes philanthropy very seriously and supports many charities in Dane County and across the country.

I enjoy volunteering in the community, and I feel that I can contribute to the continued success of the Madison Reading Project. I believe strongly in the initiative and approach that Madison Reading Project has taken on. I have three kids currently in college and understand the impact that reading plays in the development of every child.

Corinda Rainey Moore 

Board Member

 

My husband and I have two children and eight grandchildren. I currently work for Kids Forward as an Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. I’m also a mentor through Madison Reading Project and Madison College Women’s Scholar’s program. I’m also on the board of Vera Court/Bridge Lakepoint Community Center. I also currently serve as President of the following organizations: Equal Opportunities Commission, Safe Communities, Madison Network of Black Professionals, Madison Urban League Guild and the Madison College Community Council of Color. 

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I joined MRP because I love the concept of working with kids to decrease the disparities around literacy. I also wanted a chance to be able to give back to our community and be able to work with youths to let them know that they can be and do whatever they set their minds to do. I know that literacy is the gateway to opportunities and access to opportunities. I am passionate about MRP because of the trajectory that can literally change the outcomes for our youths particularly youths of color. I also love the fact that MRP works collaboratively with MMSD and other community members to get books into the hands of the kids who needs them. I also know that once kids are able to read it can be life changing.

Tammy Rozek

Board Member

 

I am the General Manager of East Towne and West Towne Malls. I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the shopping centers. I enjoy working with the mall teams to strengthen and build upon existing relationships with our customers and tenants as well as discovering additional partnerships with the malls. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, volunteering, live music/theater and spending time with family and friends.

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I joined the MRP board because I firmly believe in the mission of getting books to children in need in our community. I was shocked to learn that over two thirds of children living in poverty do not have books at home. I am honored to be part of an organization that addresses the low literacy rates of underserved children. Once children know how to read and enjoy reading they understand that books have the power to change a life.

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I am passionate getting books into the hands of children and helping children develop a love for reading. I believe the love of reading is a stepping stone to becoming an enthusiastic and confident learner, reader, writer and speaker. With confidence and enthusiasm, children can enjoy a amazing world of learning and exploration.

Steven Stack

Board Member

 

My time has a teacher has taken me from South Carolina to Wisconsin, teaching various ages, subject matters, and in a variety of atmospheres. During my time in South Carolina, I also completed my master’s degree in Divergent Learning, a program that opened my eyes to the complexities of working with the entire student population and providing me many tools that helped evolve my teaching. Marriage took me to Wisconsin, where I had the privilege of working at two phenomenal schools, Spring Harbor and JCW Middle School. A second child led to me working from home and focusing on creating and teaching online writing classes, creating instructional courses for teachers all over the world who work with students of all ages with Theatrefolk, an educational and play publishing company. I also focused on creating plays for students that are fun, challenging, appeal to their unique experiences, and teach essential lessons. I have written 24 published plays, and my first book came out last October.

 

I live in Mt. Horeb with my two wonderful daughters, and besides spending my time being goofy with them, I enjoy hiking, reading, watching cheesy movies, and teaching acting at Forte Studios. I’m excited to play a role with the Madison Reading Project. Besides adoring books myself, I’ve seen firsthand the joy that reading brings to my two children. I love seeing the excitement flow out of them whenever they are talking about what’s going on in whatever they’re reading, the elation when they find out a new fact, the emotion they feel when something happens that they weren’t expecting it to, the joy of watching them add new words to their vocabulary, and the peace that reading gives them when the world was a little too much that day. All because of a book. 

 

I joined the board because as a teacher, writer, and reader, I am incredibly passionate about the power of the written word and the thought of playing a role in making sure that students have access to a variety of comprehensive books makes me extremely happy. It’s easy to be passionate about something when you firmly believe in its mission.