About Us
Girls Empowered Book Club is a 501c3 non-profit organization with an overall vision of empowering, enlightening, engaging, and entertaining girls in grades 3-8 through dynamic book discussions. The mission of this book club is to build a culture of girls who enjoy reading while advancing literacy skills that are centered on five core values:
- 1. Engage with community leaders to build effective leadership skills, establish career goals, and participate in community service projects
- 2. Help girls develop a positive self-image, build self-confidence and instill outstanding character
- 3. Develop effective communication and critical thinking skills
- 4. Create life experiences that foster a global outlook impacting social change
- 5. Develop effective problem-solving and decision-making skills that advocate positive relationships
WE OFFER VIRTUAL AND FACE TO FACE MEETINGS.
Our Team
We have a dedicated team of innovative and creative ladies who share their individual gifts and talents to make this book club highly engaging!!
Kellie Bynum-Lathan
Our Founder:
Kellie Bynum Lathan is a passionate reader who has a vision for building a culture of girls who enjoy reading. Her love for reading began as a young girl who read books as a journey to escape and find joy in meeting new characters in different settings. She has over 30 years in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System as a Speech Therapist. This book club is her yes to her calling.
Rebecca Holloway Program Coordinator 6th-8th
Rebecca Holloway holds an education specialist certification in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in science from Louisiana State University and earned a Master of Education plus 30 from Southern University. Ms. Holloway currently serves as an introduction to STEM pathways and careers, 6th/7th grade Science and Engineering design teacher at Park Forest Middle Magnet School. She currently serves in multiple leadership roles including grade level coordinator, PBIS coordinator, East Baton Rouge Parish /Mentor Teacher, and Teacher Leader for Middle Schools. She has presented workshops on the national, state and local level. She has a passion for reading and literacy and is dedicated to ensuring that our girls grow into lifelong learners.
Sharon William Program Coordinator 3rd-5th Grade
Sharon Williams is a dedicated educator who served with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System for fourteen years as a Paraeducator. In the classroom, she was committed to instruction designed to meet the various needs of her students. Her passion as an educator significantly changed her students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
She is a mother, grandmother, and a lifelong nurturer who brings creativity, compassion, and inspiration to our girls. Sharon is dedicated to enhancing our girls with wisdom and motivation to push them to their fullest potential.
Tandra McCastle-Administrative Assistant
Tandra Mccastle is our administrative assistant for GEBC. She is passionate about seeing all kids learn in every aspect of life. Reading is very fundamental when it comes to learning. She enjoys sports, traveling, eating, bowling, and the movies.
Dynesha Griffin-3rd-5th Grade Volunteer
Dynesha Griffin is our 3rd-5th grade volunteer. She is a graduate of LSU and currently is working as an administrative specialist at an insurance company. She is an introvert who loves binge-watching shows, reading, cooking, and taking nature walks. From shopping to spa dates, she makes sure to take care of herself every chance she gets. Self-care brings her joy!
Glenda Harris-6th-8th Grade Volunteer what do you want
Glenda Harris is our 6th-8th grade volunteer. She is originally from Mobile, Alabama, but has been a Baton Rouge resident for over five years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and is a Process Engineer at WR GRACE. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and families, traveling, and trying new things
Tiffany Hill 6th-8th Grade Volunteer
Tiffany is our 6th-8th grade volunteer. She was born and raised in California. She has a Bachelor of Ccience degree in Fashion and Textile Technologies with a concentration in Fashion Design. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, being outside in nature, playing dress up in clothes and watching movies.
Joining a book club has many benefits!!!!
Book clubs provide an opportunity for social engagement where friendships are formed.
Critical thinking, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills are advanced through fun and engaging extension activities.
Readers have a choice in reading material that influences motivation for reading and engagement.
Readers have a choice in reading material that influences motivation for reading and engagement.
Accountability for reading material that influences motivation for reading and engagement,
Book club members are exposed to various genres.
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Book clubs are like extracurricular activities.
It is no charge to join a book club.
JOIN US!
We are excited to have you join us!! This book club will create opportunities for literary development and experiences that go beyond the book!
WE BRING BOOKS TO LIFE!!
