A Woman Who Progresses in Life Through Reading: Shanel Adams
Shanel Adams and I share this virtue, “we should read books, let them change us, and then tell the world all about how they did.” We met during the early part of our careers when we were filled to the brim with ambition for meaning. She quickly became a women to refer to, someone whose life also progressed through her love for reading and writing. In the years that I’ve known her, she has created this same sense of progress for young girls in Detroit through Progressionista.
Progressionista is a Detroit-based non-profit that exposes 8-12 year old girls to the self-discovering power of reading for leisure. Each month, she hosts a book club that invites diverse women to talk about their careers and how their work relates to Progressionista’s book of the month. In our recent interview, Shanel shared great wisdom for how books can inspire positive change—privately, personally and finally when we are met with times that call for our own leadership.
the PR Poet: When did you fall in love with reading?
Shanel: The earliest memory I have of falling in love with reading would be with the Harry Potter book series. That was the first book series I could not put down and I was in elementary school when I read it, so much of the words were probably over my head but I loved it. I remember picturing every scene in my mind and being tucked away in my bedroom for hours. It was an escape for me, a way for my imagination to roam. It's so funny because there are girls in my program who love Harry Potter as much as I did more than 10 years ago!
the PR Poet: What do you believe is so powerful about inspiring young girls to read?
Shanel: By inspiring girls to read, you put the power to grow and learn in their own hands. Books are a tool they can use for self-determination, mentorship, entertainment, and friendship over the course of their life. Just by exposing them to the joy in reading for leisure, I hope to break the stigma that reading is boring and laborious. I love seeing girls go from skeptical readers to craving their next read because they're just so excited and inspired. That means they'll be more likely to pick up a book when they have a question about life or want to grow into a new career—and I know from my experience reading books can help us grow in any season of our lives.
the PR Poet: What is your vision for Progressionista?
Shanel: My vision is for Progressionista to become an even bigger community of girls and women motivated by the power of books. I believe so many women can attest to how one book or many books have changed their lives. I want Progressionista to be a conduit for those women to mentor girls who are thirsty for their guidance. Whether that is through our book club program or other initiatives, I want girls to see themselves as readers and get to know other phenomenal women who are readers too.
the PR Poet: What can we do to promote a rich future of reading for young girls?
Shanel: I am a firm believer that children adapt to what they see. The only way to impact the future is to be conscious of the present. The way we can do that is by being readers ourselves, reading for information and for fun, and not assimilating to the idea that books are irrelevant. We can advocate for libraries and patronize book stores. We can read to smaller children so they see books as a apart of their lives from the beginning. But most of all, we should read books, let them change us, and then tell the world all about how they did.
the PR Poet: What is your favorite children's book?
Shanel: Matilda! Obviously! Not only because it's about a girl who loves to read but it is about a girl who refuses to conform to her environment. So many girls are afraid to be smart or witty or courageous—the list goes on and on. Matilda wasn't afraid to be smart in a family and world that didn't encourage that. Also, Roald Dahl is an amazing writer and I love how the book is so funny, even after all of these years. Regardless of whether you are a book lover or not, Matilda is a must read.
the PR Poet: What is your favorite book?
Shanel: My favorite book is Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. It was a high school read and the first book that made me "get" how a book could be a work of art. The prose was rich. The characters were complex. The talent of Morrison was so evident and inspiring. She is my favorite author and will always be because of how I felt when I read Song of Solomon.
the PR Poet: How can we help support Progressionista?
Shanel: Women who read have done so much for Progressionista and I am so grateful! We are always looking for donations! Also, we are selling our first product to help fund our book club—this cool statement necklace! Most importantly, we are always looking for women to volunteer and share their story on being a Progressionista. Any and all support is so appreciated.