We work together to improve our community
OUR MISSION
Bringing hope and literacy to our community by sharing God’s love and by equipping individuals to overcome their unique challenges.Community
The African American community is struggling across the country in the area of literacy. The literacy problem spreads across many areas including, reading, parent advocacy, and parenting. Literacy and Hope was formed to address these challenges in our community.team
A group of dedicated women utilizing their skills to make a difference in the St. Louis community by partnering with other organizations to increase literacy among the African American community.Christianity
God is at the center of everything that we do. His love for His children propels us to work hard and diligently to prepare a world in which everyone is given an opportunity to live out their purpose in life.Loving God. Loving People.
OUR FOCUS
Literacy and Hope is a Christian organization whose message is based on the Bible. It is motivated by the love of God. We focus on two areas: Sharing God’s love through His Word and meeting the needs of this community by moving individuals from illiterate to literate with our programs.Meet Our Amazing Team
We are a group of women working together to use our talents to provide literacy and hope to our community.
KATHY KIRK FOUNDER
Kathy started her career in corporate America after earning her MBA Degree with a focus on Marketing. Her early years were spent working for Oscar Mayer, Inc, Kraft Foods, and Ralston Purina in the area of Marketing and Finance. Learn More About Kathy
KRISTEN DAVIS
Kristen is passionate about serving her community and church. She has been involved in youth programs for over 20 years. She started her career in engineering after receiving her degree from Washington University, St. Louis. She later earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She took these skills and parlayed them into growing many youth programs in St. Louis, MO.
SHELIA NICHOLSON
She has dedicated most of her life to improving education for elementary schools. She has an Education Specialist Degree from Missouri Baptist University, a Master of Science in Education from Kansas State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Lincoln University.
Kim Spence
Kim's passion for education started in college when to she had the pleasure of mentoring an elementary school student. She has 14 years of experience in education with a Master of Arts in Teaching, Concentration: Early Childhood Education, Webster University Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration: Marketing, Howard University Credentials: Early Childhood Certification, K-3.
NELLIE QUINN
Nellie is an enthusiastic education professional with 30 years of service. Throughout her career she has been an advocate for quality teaching and learning experiences for all students. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston and her Masters of Education, and Education Administration credentials from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. Her passion is to serve her community in diverse ways.
Sharde' Anderson
Sharde' Anderson is a dedicated Talent Acquisition Partner at General Motors and an experienced career coach passionate about helping job seekers succeed. She loves serving her community and giving back. With a background in Fortune 500 companies like Macy’s Credit Operations and U.S. Bank, she brings extensive experience in recruitment, HR, project management, and public relations.
Sharde holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication (Public Relations) from Southeast Missouri State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
MICHELLE SMART
Michelle is passionate about serving her community. She has over 35 years in finance and accounting. She earned her Bachelor of Science-Accounting from University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO and her Master of Business Administration-Finance from Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.
BRITTANY LEE
Brittany Lee is the founder and principal for Transformation Strategies LLC. She is an expert in facilitation, coaching, strategic planning, and team development, with over 17 years of experience in organizational development and transformation within academic and non-profit sectors. Brittany incorporates a trauma-centered approach into her strategies, acknowledging systemic oppression and its impact on marginalized communities. She is passionate about community care and the transformative potential of shifting hearts & minds, behaviors, and systems. Brittany holds a Leadership & Performance Coaching Certification from ACT Leadership & Brown University School of Professional Studies (December 2024) and an Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (April 2025). She earned her B.S. in Corporate Communication and Africana Studies from the University of Central Missouri and her M.Ed. in Adult Learning & Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma.
MICHELLE SIMMONS-VINSON
Michelle is passionate about helping her community. She has over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting and IT. She has done tutoring/mentoring for students in the past. She has a Master of Art in Information Technology Management from Webster University, Master of Management from Fontbonne University, and Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Management from Saint Louis University. She has certifications in government auditor, internal auditing, and in control-self assessment.
SHANTELL GOLDSBY
Shantell Goldsby is an early childhood education leader, program developer, and community advocate with more than 25 years of experience supporting young children, families, and educators across Missouri. Her work bridges direct service, leadership, and coaching, all grounded in a deep belief that strong early learning experiences change life outcomes for entire families. She is also the founder of Heart of Gold CPR Services, a community-focused training initiative providing First Aid, CPR, AED, and youth babysitting certification programs. Shantell’s work is rooted in the belief that when educators are supported and families are engaged, children thrive not just in school, but in life.OUR SPONSORS
We are so grateful for all the organizations that have decided to partner with us to bring our programs alive and to the community!
- One Family Church
- St. Louis Philanthropic Organization
- Omega Life Membership Foundation
- Light a Single Candle Foundation
- Cardinal Cares