Leadership Team
& Support Network
Our leadership team and support are dedicated individuals committed to strengthening our mission and expanding literacy access. These team members help drive strategy, build meaningful partnerships, and support initiatives that bring inclusive books and educational resources to communities. Their passion and expertise play a vital role in creating lasting change through literacy.
Executive Director
Kathleen Ousey
As the Executive Director and co-founder of Linked2Literacy, Kathleen (Kat) Ousey is a visionary leader with a strong commitment to promoting literacy and empowering families to cultivate a love of reading in children. In addition to her role at L2L, Kat also serves as the Vice President of Education on the Friends of Lied Board of Directors and as the Co-President Advisor of the Rousseau PTO. She is currently participating in the Executive Leadership Lincoln cohort, further enhancing her skills and knowledge in leadership and community engagement.
Programs & Community Outreach
Ashley Larson
I hold a degree in Social Work and was fortunate to dedicate nearly 10 years of my life to youth development and community engagement with local non-profits. I am passionately committed to using enriching books to establish safe spaces for meaningful conversations and exploration. Throughout my experience, I've witnessed how books bring healing, knowledge, and inspiration to youths from diverse backgrounds. As a proud mother of three wonderfully unique children and a partner to someone who shares my passion for community building and education, I am incredibly excited to contribute to the work of Linked2Literacy. Being part of this initiative means building bridges to further the mission of ensuring all kids have access to books!
DPIL Communications
Autumn Wissenberg
Autumn serves as Linked2Literacy’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Communications Lead, supporting families through clear communication, problem-solving, and program updates. She curates the quarterly family newsletter and helps amplify family voices through research and feedback tools. A junior at Carleton College, Autumn is known for her creativity, follow-through, and people-centered approach.
Intern Foundry Intern
Emily Nieman
Supporting Linked2Literacy’s spring 2026 fundraising event, 'Rooted in Reading'. Emily brings strong organizational skills, research savvy, and a creative eye to event planning—helping coordinate logistics, develop sponsorships, and shape engaging fundraising experiences. Emily is passionate about community-centered work and excited to help bring L2L’s mission to life through meaningful donor engagement and storytelling.
Volunteer Coordinator
Kim Evans​
As a retired literature teacher, I have always been passionate about books and reading. My friend and sorority sister, Jo Sheets, introduced me to L2L. I did my first volunteer gig with linked2literacy at Wordstock in 2023. From that point I wrote an article about their organization for a publication I work for and have been "hooked" on their mission ever since. I truly believe that books can change the life of anyone. As a former teacher I saw firsthand when a student saw themselves in a book what a powerful experience that is for them. It made them feel validated and "real". Books can save lives. It made my day when a student would say to me, "What can I read after this book?" especially from students that weren't particularly fond of reading before. On the personal side, I have been married to my husband Mike for 37 years. We have one daughter, Megan married to Kerry. They live in St. Louis and have two children with their third due in April. My grandkids love books. The world of reading has changed drastically since our daughter was a child. We have e-readers, and audio/video readers. If it gets them interested in reading, I'm all for it! We love to travel and spend time with them when we can. This is a great organization! We are always looking for volunteers. We would love to have you join our team.
IT Consultant
Jaxon McCue​
Jaxon helps design and maintain the systems that keep our organization running efficiently behind the scenes. With a passion for coding, automation, and smart problem-solving, he builds tools that reduce manual work and improve how data flows across platforms. Jaxon brings a thoughtful, solutions-first mindset to everything he touches, allowing our team to focus more time on mission-driven work and community impact.
Marketing Team
Level Ten Creative Marketing Firm
Level Ten doesn't just work with Linked2Literacy—we believe in what they do. We’ve seen firsthand how their commitment to literacy transforms lives, and we’re honored to play a small role in helping them share that impact. From celebrating their milestones to helping spread the word about their mission and programs, our support for L2L comes from a place of genuine admiration. Their work goes beyond books—it’s about building confidence, opening doors, and creating opportunities for families across our community. We’re grateful to stand alongside them and can’t wait to see how their reach continues to grow. Through our partnered efforts, we’ve helped L2L amplify their message, engage their audience, and strengthen their brand. Whether it’s ensuring their story reaches the right people or executing memorable campaigns, we’re committed to supporting their mission in every way we can.
Meet Our Board Members
Get to know the incredible individuals who drive the mission of Linked2Literacy forward. Each team member brings a unique set of skills and dedication to our cause.
President
Erika Kirkland
A proud Lincolnite, Erika is a wife, sister, aunt, coach, and lifelong reader who believes deeply in the power of books to ignite imagination and affirm identity. Much of her childhood was spent at the library or curled up with a good book, experiences that allowed her to imagine worlds beyond her own and shaped her love of reading. She is honored to support Linked2Literacy’s work, knowing that while children receive books, they are also being given the truly priceless gift of excitement about reading.
VP of Marketing
Jo Sheets
Jo brings a deep passion for helping people feel loved, included, and empowered, shaped by 25 years in corporate management and 15 years in nonprofit and church leadership. She believes that when individuals are encouraged to recognize and celebrate their strengths, communities grow stronger and more connected. As a new grandmother, Jo now finds joy in sharing meaningful, inclusive books with her granddaughter, reinforcing her belief that literacy nurtures curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning.
VP of Programs
Ingrid Esparza
Ingrid brings strengths in program development, strategic planning, and community engagement, shaped by her background in education and nonprofit leadership. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is deeply committed to designing literacy initiatives that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and family-centered. Ingrid believes literacy is about more than reading for information—it is about building understanding, knowledge, and meaningful connection for the families L2L serves.
Secretary | VP of Governance
Marna Munn
Marna is an attorney who believes deeply in literacy as a foundational equity issue and a powerful driver of opportunity. She brings a thoughtful, steady approach to leadership, shaped by her professional background in law and her commitment to integrity, accountability, and long-term impact. Marna is passionate about ensuring children and families have access to books that build confidence, strengthen academic success, and expand future possibilities.
Board Member
Derrick (DP) Pearson
Derrick is a sportscaster, radio and television host, writer, sports executive, and high school coach whose career has taken him across the country before proudly calling Lincoln home. Alongside his media and coaching work, he has helped establish and lead nonprofit and mentoring initiatives that center Loving and Learning through Sports. As an avid reader and writer, Derrick believes literacy builds voice, imagination, and empathy, and he brings that storytelling lens to amplifying Linked2Literacy’s mission and community impact.
VP of Social Activities
Becky Dunder
Becky brings a people-centered approach to community building, shaped by her experience as a group fitness instructor and her passion for connection and shared experiences. She believes literacy is a powerful tool for personal growth, resilience, and confidence at every age. Becky is energized by creating welcoming, engaging spaces that invite people into Linked2Literacy’s mission and strengthen community bonds.
Treasurer
Doug Ganz
A Lincoln native, Doug built a long career in banking after earning his degree in economics from Arizona State University and returning home to Nebraska, where he has spent 25 years with Pinnacle Bank in consumer lending and mortgage banking. He brings deep financial expertise and a strong commitment to stewardship, shaped by decades of professional leadership and service on numerous community and philanthropic boards. Doug believes literacy is a critical investment in community stability, workforce development, and generational success, and is proud to support work that strengthens families and futures.
VP of Development
Ali Shull
Ali is a graduate student at the University of Nebraska who brings an emerging-leader perspective grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. She is passionate about literacy as a driver of equity, opportunity, and belonging—especially for children who may not otherwise have access to books at home. Ali is proud to support work that builds strong relationships and invests in the long-term impact of early and sustained literacy.
VP of Volunteer Engagement
Megan Harris
Megan brings experience in reflective practice, mental health, and nonprofit operations, shaped by her work with the UNL College of Law and her leadership in DEI and community engagement initiatives. She believes literacy fosters joy, connection, and emotional well-being, particularly for children and caregivers. Megan is passionate about creating meaningful volunteer experiences that strengthen Linked2Literacy’s impact and deepen community connection.