After eight years on the EWI Board of Directors, Amanda Ladd has just stepped into the role of vice president and she’s ready to build on recent momentum. “Coming off our twentieth anniversary celebration last year, I feel like we’re gaining visibility and developing meaningful partnerships,” she says. “And as terrible as Covid was, it put a spotlight on the importance of reading. So many studies have demonstrated students falling behind, and we’re positioned to cater to that need and grow our organization.” As EWI moves forward Amanda has two priorities. “It’s important to me to develop good local partnerships and enhance the diversity of our mentors,” she says. Amanda reads at Greenwood Elementary School in Des Moines and serves on the Recruitment Committee.