Check out a fun Q&A below with our new Tutor & Volunteer Coordinator Traqoya! 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Read 2 Succeed?
Traqoya here! Most important points, right? I am a daughter of God, mother of five, a growing business owner (Wintress Daughter Essentials), sister to 8, aunt to 10, niece to 10, a song’s instrument, and a creative being. I love PEOPLE, like seriously, and as the Tutor and Volunteer Coordinator, my heart is happy to connect, organize, and support the key individuals in our community around improving literacy for our Black and brown babies!

2. How did reading or literacy shape your childhood or early life?
Reading rescued me as a child. Because of it, I’ve been a queen, a pirate, a murder detective, a teacher, a revolutionist, a president, and so much more! Most importantly, reading emboldened me to be a force. I knew the world and all I wanted to know was just a book or internet search away. I realized reading gave me the permission to be EVERYTHING I wanted to be, regardless of anyone's say so. Reading freed me!

3. What was your favorite book as a child, and do you have a favorite now?
Bridge to Terebithia and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

4. What inspired you to join Read 2 Succeed and work in youth literacy?
As I focused on building community for my children and myself, the desire to connect positively to the very community we live in grew beautifully. My children are not in the public school system but are educated at home, and it has not been smooth sailing around literacy when working with my younger ones. This opportunity goes beyond my community, for me, and circles back to home. I get to practice what we preach and walk out this talk! My children get to enjoy this journey right beside me, all as we expand our community.

5. What are you most excited to contribute to our community and team?
Forever student, here! I rise to meet every expectation and exceed many times over, but I am most excited to join in and LEARN! Whatever I offer can always be corrected, redirected, and refined. All to empower me to show up and serve better.

6. How do you spend your time outside of work—hobbies, passions, or small joys?
Did I mention I have 5 kiddos?! Ha! They kind of take up my life, but it wasn’t meant to be any other way. My skincare business gets whatever time my children leave for it, but the time management is getting better! When I can, crochet, reading, singing, and creating is where you will find me.

7. What do you love most about our local community (Asheville or surrounding area)?
I really enjoy the nature within this county and surrounding areas–the creeks, trees, parkway, trails, and waterfalls.

8. If you could recommend one book to our staff, students, or community, what would it be and why?
The Bible. I didn't know how loved I was until I read it for myself!

Calling our R2S family—volunteers, community partners, donors, board members, educators, families, and friends! We can’t wait to gather with you at the 5th Annual R2S Fall Mixer on Wednesday, October 1st, from 5:30–7:30 PM at River Arts District Brewing Company.

This annual celebration has grown bigger and better every year, and it’s truly one of our favorite ways to bring the whole R2S community together.

Come enjoy:
✨ Delicious food & drinks
✨ Music, games & door prizes
✨ R2S swag & free children’s books
✨ Spectacular door prizes

Best of all—you’ll connect with incredible people who care about building a stronger ecosystem of literacy and learning across our community.

Entry is free (friends & family welcome!), and this year we’ll also be inviting guests to make an optional suggested donation to help power R2S’s youth literacy programs—from weekly Pre-K read-alouds and one-to-one tutoring to family reading events, book distribution, and more.

👉 Click below to RSVP and reserve your spot!

We can’t wait to kick off fall with you. 🍻📚