Meet The Founder
Meet Miosha!
“I believe the children are our future.”
Since its inception in 2019, Read It & Leave It has become a beacon of educational empowerment and community care in Harlem.
Founded by Miosha RJ, a dedicated native New Yorker with a deep-rooted commitment to her neighborhood, Harlem, this initiative sprang from her heartfelt concern for the trajectory of Harlem's youth.
With a background enriched by a Master's in Public Administration and a wealth of experience spanning educational and non-profit sectors, Miosha brings a unique blend of zeal, experience, maternal instinct, and local insight to her mission.
An avid reader and traveler, Miosha observed a general gap in access to books, especially age-and culturally appropriate books, in local Harlem homes.
She noticed that many parents either did not grow up with an emphasis on the joy of reading themselves or did share this experience but lacked time and resources to build an active reading environment.
After thoroughly researching the impact of book deserts, Miosha took action. Drawing from her own collection, she initiated a grassroots effort to redistribute literature within the community.
Witnessing the tangible impact of her endeavor, she formalized her commitment by establishing Read It and Leave It, a heartfelt response to the needs of her beloved community.
Miosha in Action 🏃🏾♀️
Here is a video of Miosha reading to a group of children in her community. Reading to her son is what inspired this program and with the help of volunteers and donors alike she is impacting more lives throughout Harlem.