Moments That Inspired Our Mission
ᰔᩚ November–December 2019
Before Brighten a Heart
Before founding Brighten A Heart™, I found myself drawn to small ways of giving back, creating projects that brought people together through gratitude, creativity, and kindness. Looking back, I realize those moments were preparing me for what was to come. They taught me how a single gesture can brighten someone’s day, and how much joy comes from connecting with others.
These earlier initiatives were not part of Brighten A Heart™, but they reflect the same values that continue to guide me today. Because they mean so much to me, I wanted to share them with you, each one helped shape the heart behind this mission. I will always stay involved in community projects like these, because giving back, in any form, is simply part of who I am.
ᰔᩚ November–December 2019
Seasonal Giving – Sharing Comfort and Cheer
In New York City, Sabrina spent many holidays creating hundreds of mini floral arrangements in her apartment for homebound seniors. Citymeals on Wheels would pick them up and load them alongside the meals being delivered that day. Knowing each bouquet would arrive at someone’s door with a warm meal was incredibly moving: a small surprise of color and care tucked into an ordinary delivery.
That experience helped shape how Brighten A Heart™ approaches seasonal giving today: simple, thoughtful gifts that can be added to the care people are already receiving, bringing a moment of warmth exactly when it’s needed most.
ᰔᩚ 2019–2020
Community Literacy & Gratitude Initiatives
I’m deeply grateful to have partnered with Toli Management, led by Tony Rodriguez. Tony has always shown up for his community, and he believed in me long before Brighten A Heart™ had a name. His support helped bring these projects to life, reaching thousands of families.
During the grand-opening week of the McDonald’s location across from the Bronx Zoo in July 2019, I hosted a special book-signing event for my children’s book Questions for Breakfast in partnership with Toli Management. I donated and personally signed books for children, spending the day reading, engaging with families, and encouraging curiosity and connection through storytelling.
Inspired by that experience, I later collaborated again with Toli Management and Literacy Inc., known as Literacy in Community (LINC), a New York nonprofit that equips children with foundational literacy skills by empowering families and mobilizing the community.
Together, we created Thankful November, a community initiative launched in November 2020 across 14 McDonald’s locations in New York City. Throughout the month, McDonald’s team members handed out oversized placemats inside the restaurants and through the Drive Thru. I designed each placemat with gratitude themed artwork and writing prompts, and I included characters from my children’s book, Questions for Breakfast. Each placemat invited families to share what they were thankful for, turning an everyday meal into a moment of reflection and connection during a challenging year.
Special thanks to Corey Saxton and the LINC team for collaborating with me on Thankful November, and for inviting me to read Questions for Breakfast with LINC families on Zoom on November 20, 2020. That invitation was truly a highlight for me. If you would like to learn more about their work, I encourage you to visit LINC’s website and explore ways to support their mission.
ᰔᩚ August 2021
Reach Out and Read – Celebrating Literacy & Connection
In August 2021, I had the honor of collaborating with Reach Out and Read of Greater New York, a nonprofit that gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.
Through a network of more than 230 medical programs across New York City, Reach Out and Read partners with pediatric providers who give children a prescription for reading. They offer a book at every well visit and guide parents on how to build strong, loving connections through shared reading.
As part of their community partnership series, I was featured as an author and volunteer, sharing Questions for Breakfast and encouraging families to discover the joy of reading together. To support their mission, I organized a fundraising event using my book and helped raise $5,000, made possible through the generous support of a New York City–based family foundation. The donation benefited early-literacy programs serving children and families throughout New York City.
I also want to share special thanks to Emily Marchese, Executive Director, and Kari Kurjiaka, Director of Literacy and Public Policy. They welcomed me and my ideas with genuine kindness and encouragement, and their passion for giving back has stayed with me. Meeting them left a permanent mark on me: it reminded me of the kind of leader I hope to become, thoughtful, purpose driven, and consistent in how I show up for others. If you are curious, I encourage you to visit Reach Out and Read’s website to learn more about their mission. It is one of my favorites.
Watch the Video
A special video created by Reach Out and Read of Greater New York highlights our collaboration and celebrates the joy of reading, curiosity, and kindness.
“A shared belief that reading aloud builds confidence, connection, and a brighter start for every child.”