Rina Madhani, GED’19

Headshot of Rina Madhani beside a photo of colorful literacy kits tied with ribbons

Rina Madhani

Teaching, Learning, and Leadership M.S.Ed.

Part of our Share Your Story Campaign

“The need for providing access to literature has never been greater. This is especially true for a community like the South Bronx, which is disproportionately affected during times of crises.”

Teaching, Learning, and Leadership master’s graduate Rina Madhani, GED’19, is promoting literacy as cofounder of Start Lighthouse. She writes, “Start Lighthouse is an organization committed to fostering lifelong literacy. Given the current school and library closures, the need for providing access to literature has never been greater. This is especially true for a community like the South Bronx, which is disproportionately affected during times of crises. Fostering lifelong literacy for the South Bronx community begins with creating access. Start Lighthouse creates and distributes customized literacy kits for K-8 students. Currently, we are partnered with a local elementary and middle school, P.S. 5 Port Morris, located in District 7 within the South Bronx. The school is a designated food distribution site for the community, where families and students go daily to pick up free breakfast and lunch. Through this distribution channel, we establish direct ties with students and families and reach those who need our support the most. In order to inspire myself and remain focused during these unprecedented times, I have spent a lot of time doing cold outreach to entrepreneurs and alumni within this field to learn more from their experiences. As a result, I have been able to have several incredible conversations with individuals who are just as passionate about literacy as I am.”