For the month of February, we are shining the RAWK Spotlight on: Kayde, Bird, and Kenna!!!!!
The RAWK Spotlight is a monthly series that celebrates folx who embody and serve the mission of empowering youth voices. Folx in the RAWK Spotlight can be anyone from staff, to volunteers, to Board Members, to community partners. They are chosen by the RAWK staff team by merit of their passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for serving local youth and their community!
“Becoming a RAWK team member has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Everyone I work with is so supportive and understanding so it’s been incredibly easy to find my place here. Getting to know the youth has been the best part of my journey at RAWK. Being a part of the February Spotlight is such an honor and motivates me to keep being an advocate for youth creatives.”
– Kayde Moore (ost program coordinator)
“My time with RAWK has been an incredible journey of fostering a love for reading and writing while building meaningful connections with students. As a Program Coordinator at Lincoln, I have the privilege of creating a space where young voices are not only heard but celebrated. RAWK is more than literacy, it’s about empowering students to express themselves, embrace their creativity, and find confidence in their words. Whether we’re diving into a great book or bringing stories to life on the page, I love witnessing the spark that happens when kids realize the power of their own voices. Being in the RAWK Spotlight is an honor, but the greatest reward is seeing our students grow as readers, writers, and storytellers.”
– Seana Bird Turner (program coordinator @ Lincoln)
” Becoming a team member at RAWK is one of my most greatest experiences yet! Being a guide and role model for youth in our community to reach their highest potential in literacy and in life is more rewarding than any other work I’ve ever done. I am immensely grateful for the support system RAWK has been in my professional and personal life, but I truly have to give so much gratitude for the youth. The brightest part of my day is seeing youth, in the Readers Room program or just in the hallway. They always have the biggest smiles and hugs to spare, and that makes this job so incredibly special, to see the impact being made! I’m so thankful for RAWK and all of the experiences I get with it! RAWK on!”
– Kenna Burlingham (program facilitator @ Lincoln)
Keep reading to hear what our RAWKstar community has to say about our amazing new staff members and their incredible impact at RAWK and throughout the community:
“I consider it an absolute blessing and privilege when great people want to join the RAWK team! I have already seen the impact of Kenna, Kayde and Bird’s gifts and passions activated in their short time here at RAWK. I am so excited for the present and future of RAWK with amazing humans like them leading the way. ”
– Dr. Kandace Lavender (executive director)
“RAWK has had the pleasure of growing our team and welcoming three new, amazing team members, Kenna, Kayde, and Bird. Each one of these new staff members brings their own unique skills, talents, gifts, and passions to the team and have strengthened our programs even in just the short time they have been a part of the team. I am so excited to see how the three of them continue to grow and evolve in their roles at RAWK but also personally! I hope that RAWK continues to be a place they feel supported and uplifted to do the work we all love!”
– JaMeelah (assistant executive director)
“I am so grateful to have Bird, Kayde, and Kenna join our RAWK team! All uniquely gifted, sharing a passion for youth and enthusiasm to uplift our community.”
– Bri E. (engagement coordinator)
“Bird has an incredible energy that’s truly contagious, and she gives the best hugs! She constantly uplifts those around her, bringing a real, undeniable vibe that leaves a lasting impact. Her contributions to the team are invaluable, and it wouldn’t be the same without her positivity and radiance!
Kayde’s chill, welcoming, and creative energy feels like home. He has a naturally peaceful presence and carries himself with ease, all while being a remarkably talented actor and leader for the OST program.
Kenna’s bubbly, open, and comedic personality makes it easy to be yourself around them! They are incredibly talented, a wonderful friend, and have instantly thrived in In-School, building strong connections with the youth. I love hearing the hilarious stories they share about the youth and the genuine love they have for their work—it’s truly admirable!”
– D. Diamond (storefront coordinator)
