Jaclynn cross secretary
Weekly trips to the public library with her mother inspired Jaclynn Cross' love for reading. This love fueled her passion for the English language and informed her decision to double major in English and Africana Studies at Gettysburg College. Jaclynn received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College in 2006.
Since then, Jaclynn has made her mark in the events industry as a meetings and events professional, managing events of various sizes and formats ranging from corporate meetings and receptions to political fundraisers and fashion shows. She currently works as an Event Planner for the U.S. Green Building Council in the headquarters location in Washington, DC.
Jaclynn currently serves as the Secretary of Always Reading. Her favorite book is the Autobiography of Malcolm X. In her spare time, Jaclynn enjoys listening to music, spending time with her loved ones and traveling.
Dr. Kelsey pope
Treasurer
I am on a life-long journey as an educator and life-long learner. My passion and love for reading began with trips to the library, creative play, and daily bedtime stories. For fifteen years, I have dedicated myself to children in the public school systems of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Prince George’s County. It is my mission to encourage and empower African American children and their families to engage in their learning environment.
Literacy is area where children and their families can engage in countless meaningful journeys, without having to leave their homes. I enjoy promoting literacy in all aspect of a readers’ life so that they may truly read their world.
Michelle Obama once said, “Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education, to build a country worthy of your boundless promise.” I feel it is my mission to create and support equitable learning opportunities that will inspire creative thinkers and leaders of the future, through access to quality, culturally relevant reading.
Other Interests: Reading- African American literature (all genres), Teaching, Sneakers, Coloring, Movies, Quality time with family, Beach and Outdoor activities.
Laynita L.
Cichy-Berkebile
Board Member
Laynita L. Cichy-Berkebile is President and CEO of C&B Strategic Consulting Inc. and Managing Partner of Pro Tech CBB, LLC. Under her leadership, with over 20 years of progressive experience in hands-on organizational consulting to senior staff executives within the Federal Government she provides senior leadership and guidance to position both companies at the forefront of the Information Technology industries.
A 12 year veteran of both the United States Army and United States Army Reserve, Ms. Cichy-Berkebile’s experience ranges over a wide variety of service genres including: Contract Monitorship, Organizational Structure, Strategic Vision, Diversity and Inclusion, Human-Centered Leadership, and Operational Processes Coaching and Mentoring (career, business, personal) and a host of other areas.
Outside of work, Laynita is passionate about knowledge and reading on many subjects, diversity, equity and inclusion, social and racial justice; women’s entrepreneurial, spiritual and leadership readiness, executive leadership, financial and holistic wellness, and a travel enthusiast.
Active in community service, Laynita gives back through fundraising and philanthropy. Through bike rides like Tour du Rouge and Race Across America (RAAM) she along with her business partner (Patrick Berkebile advocate for people with developmental disabilities through The Arc organizations. She considers it an honor to advocate and fundraise and be of service for those in need globally and within her own community.
As a female business owner, she empowers and educates other women to be of service to others in a more loving way. She is dedicated to inspiring individuals to be their best version of themselves – in their personal and business lives.
She and her husband, Patrick, reside in Baltimore, Maryland.
Valerie Watkins
Board Members
Being a native Baltimorean and growing up as the third of four daughters to a single mom in the 60s, education was highly stressed. Valerie’s love for reading was attached to her pursuit for higher learning. During her early years, she spent many days reading and checking out books at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Walbrook Junction in West Baltimore City. She later matriculated at UMBC where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and Policy and later earned a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Towson University.
Valerie has spent over 38 years in Health Care Administration and Sales and Marketing, and she continues to utilize her expertise as well as her Maryland Life and Health Producer License to promote and educate others on the importance of wellness and health insurance. Valerie loves to travel, take long walks, gardening, home décor and family gatherings.
Valerie currently resides with her husband in Reisterstown, MD and is also the proud mother of two sons and one granddaughter.
India Artis
Board Member
After several years with the Afro American Newspaper, India Artis joined the staff of the NAACP’s The Crisis magazine, official publication of the NAACP, where she worked in advertising until assuming the role of business manager and executive assistant to The Crisis Board of Directors. During this time, she so-produced a weekly radio program, "The Crisis Today."
In 2020, after 32 years with the NAACP, India was appointed archivist for the NAACP where she is charged with organizing and maintaining an archive of NAACP material and facilitates the transmission of NAACP materials to the Library of Congress where NAACP collection is one of the largest, well over five million pieces, and most used collection at the Library.
India credits civil rights icons Julian Bond, Myrlie Evers- Williams and Roger Wilkins with giving her unimaginable opportunities and support. The highlight of her career was co-authoring the NAACP’s 100th anniversary book, NAACP, Celebrating a Century; 100 years in Pictures, which captured highlights of the NAACP’s storied history in pictures and text. In 2020, she was proud to edit another NAACP book project, 2020 in Black, a compilation of significant events of 2020 in pictures and text.
A native Baltimorean, India Artis completed studies at the University of Virginia. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and new member of The Philomathians.