Jacklyn Minimah-Wilson has dedicated her career to ensuring Houston’s youth have the literacy skills necessary to thrive.
As the new CEO of Literacy Now, a nonprofit organization focused on improving children’s reading skills in Houston, Minimah-Wilson’s journey is marked by a deep commitment to education and a passion for community service.
Minimah-Wilson’s path to leadership began unexpectedly during her high school years. Initially aspiring to pursue a career in law, she found herself drawn to mentoring programs that allowed her to work with younger students. This experience, which she describes as pivotal, led her to change her career trajectory from political science to elementary education.
“I did a mentoring program in high school where I worked with younger students, and I found that I really enjoyed it,” Minimah-Wilson recalls. “It was more than just tutoring; it was about being a big sister to these kids and helping them navigate challenges. That experience made me realize how much I loved working with children, and I decided to switch my major to elementary education.”
After earning her degree, Minimah-Wilson entered the classroom as a teacher, witnessing firsthand the many challenges educators face. From large class sizes to students with diverse needs, she quickly recognized the limitations that classroom teachers often encounter. This realization fueled her desire to contribute more significantly to the education sector, eventually leading her to Literacy Now.
In November, Minimah-Wilson will celebrate seven years with Literacy Now, where she has held several key roles, including Program Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Each position allowed her to gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the organization’s operations.
As Program Director, she oversaw all of Literacy Now’s initiatives, from in-school reading intervention programs to community-based mentoring and parent partnership programs. Her subsequent role as COO expanded her responsibilities to include operational management, finances, and human resources, further preparing her for her current role as CEO.
Now, as the organization’s leader, Minimah-Wilson is focused on expanding Literacy Now’s impact across Houston and beyond. With the recent changes in Houston ISD, including the state takeover, she has strategically explored new partnerships with neighboring school districts. Additionally, Literacy Now is beginning to support public charter schools in Houston, further extending its reach.
“We’ve been rooted in Houston ISD for many years, and we’re committed to continuing our support there,” Minimah-Wilson explains. “However, the current changes in the district have also opened doors for us to expand our services to other areas in need. We’re now partnering with Sheldon and Alief ISDs and continuing our work with Aldine ISD. We’re also exploring opportunities to support rural districts, where students often don’t receive the same level of resources and support.”
At the heart of Literacy Now’s success is its flagship reading intervention program, which has become a cornerstone of the organization’s efforts to improve literacy rates among young students. This intensive, small-group program is designed to help students reading below grade level by focusing on foundational skills essential for academic success. The program aligns with the Texas state mandate on the science of teaching reading and has a proven track record of success.
“We know that if we can work with students for two consecutive years in our program, they will be reading on grade level,” says Minimah-Wilson. “This improves their reading skills and positively impacts their performance in other key subject areas like math and science.”
Minimah-Wilson also emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in strengthening Literacy Now’s initiatives. The organization collaborates with like-minded nonprofits, such as Books Between Kids and the Harris County Public Library, to distribute books and foster a love of reading among children.
As Literacy Now continues to grow, Minimah-Wilson remains focused on sustainability and resource development, working closely with long-term donors and exploring new avenues for support. She understands that the success of the organization’s programs depends on strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Looking ahead, Minimah-Wilson is committed to ensuring that Literacy Now provides hope for Houston’s underserved youth. Under her leadership, the organization will expand its reach, helping more students achieve literacy and a brighter future.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for the next generation,” she says. “At Literacy Now, we’re doing everything we can to make sure that every child has the chance to succeed.”
