Ladies For Literacy Guild

In the spirit of service, the Ladies for Literacy Guild mobilizes resources to foster a love of reading through the power of literacy.

Ladies for Literacy Guild is a dynamic group of women committed to carrying forth Barbara Bush’s legacy in literacy and supporting the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.

Their mission is to READ:

Rally members and supporters to advance the literacy cause;

Enrich lives through literacy programs;

Advocate for the importance of literacy; and

Devote time, talent and treasure to ensure the success of the Foundation’s mission.

Power of Literacy Luncheon 2024: Building Brighter Futures

The Ladies for Literacy Guild of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation welcomed Kimberly Williams-Paisley to the Power of Literacy Luncheon on Friday, October 25, at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown. This year’s Power of Literacy Luncheon was chaired by Diane Gendel and Mehrnaz Gill. Sandra Shenkir serves as President of the Ladies for Literacy Guild.

Join the Ladies for Literacy Guild

If you are seeking an organization to expand your network while making a difference in the community, then become a member of the Ladies for Literacy Guild.

Stories of Impact

Ladies Guild Raises Half a Million for Literacy Program Through the Power of Literacy Luncheon

In Partnership with HISD, the Ladies Guild Helps the Foundation Reach One Millionth Book Milestone

Ladies for Literacy Guild Dedicates New Library at Spring Branch Boys & Girls Club

Member Spotlight

Meet Carla Stevens

After attending a My Home Library distribution event with her husband in 2019, Carla Stevens found her calling with the Ladies for Literacy Guild. She now plays a vital role on the Guild’s Executive Committee as the Co-Vice President of Community Projects, where she champions the expansion of the Reading Roundup program across five elementary schools.

What people are saying…

“To continue the literacy legacy of Mrs. Bush has been such a joyful experience in my life, and to see a child's world change through the power of literacy is a gift and a blessing for which I am so grateful.”

— Founding Member and Past President Trish Morille

Ladies of Literacy Guild Over the Years

LADIES FOR LITERACY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President - Sandra Shenkir

President-Elect - Maureen Higdon

Treasurer - Deborah Stavis

Secretary - Mary Sage 

Co-Vice President of Membership - Stick Delaup

Co-Vice President of Membership - Betty Hrncir

Co-Vice President of Volunteers - Deborah Dunkum 

Co-Vice President of Volunteers - Julie Little

Co-Vice President of Community Projects - Donatella Benckenstein

Co-Vice President of Community Projects - Carla Stevens 

Committee Chairs    

Co-Chair of Community Book Drive - Trenette Allen 

Co-Chair of Community Book Drive - Kathy Goossen 

Co-Chair of Community Book Drive - Jan Griesenbeck

Co-Chair of Community Book Drive - Gina Saour

Co-Chair of Grant Committee - Karen Baker 

Co-Chair of Grant Committee - Lucy Lewis

Co-Chair of Communications - Jennifer Barron

Co-Chair of Communications - Nina Rand

Chair of First Lady’s Book Club - Trish Morille

Co-Chair of Power of Literacy Luncheon - Diane Gendel

Co-Chair of Power of Literacy Luncheon - Mehrnaz Gill

  Members at Large  

Trenette Allen

Lilly Andress  

Ginger Blanton

Lesha Elsenbrook

Leah Stasney

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