On September 4, 2025, The Big Lift brought partners, families, and community leaders together for a special convening to celebrate the power of working collectively to support literacy for children in San Mateo County.
The event wasn’t just about progress, it was also about possibility. At the convening, a parent shared how The Big Lift has supported local families, and that literacy is more than learning to read, but a pathway to opportunity for children.
Community Voices at the Center
Speakers included Supervisor Noelia Corzo, County Executive Mike Callagy, San Mateo County Libraries Deputy Director Carine Risley, San Mateo County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Marco Chavez, and Millbrae Elementary School District Superintendent Lisa Hickey. These speakers all brought decades of experience and a passion for serving San Mateo County’s children.
Building on Milestones
Katharine Sullivan, Executive Director of The Big Lift reminded everyone why this work matters: “The Big Lift is rooted in the belief that early literacy is the foundation for lifelong opportunity for children, families, and our entire community.” She shared milestones like the 10th Anniversary of Inspiring Summers, a program offered by The Big Lift designed to prevent summer learning loss through hands-on learning and enrichment. She also highlighted the expansion of services reaching children from transitional kindergarten through third grade with programs such as professional development for early educators grounded in the science of reading.
By aligning schools, libraries, community leaders and families, The Big Lift is weaving together a network of support so every child in San Mateo County can thrive.
A Shared Commitment
The collective impact convening underscored a simple but powerful truth: lasting change is possible when the community works together. As the event came to a close, partners left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to continue building a brighter future for all children in San Mateo County.