Deborah Pope

Career Evolution: From Theater to Educational Advocacy

• 1980s-1990s: Founded The New Theatre of Brooklyn, developing arts-integrated curriculum models for NYC schools
• 2000s: Transitioned to nonprofit leadership, focusing on literacy as a tool for social mobility
• 2010-Present: Transformed EJK Foundation into a diversity-focused literary powerhouse

Signature Initiatives

"Quality diverse literature isn't just about representation - it's about giving children mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others."

Pope's groundbreaking work includes:

• Expanding the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award into an international benchmark for inclusive children's literature
• Pioneering the NYC Bookmaking Competition model now replicated nationwide
• Securing USPS commemorative stamps honoring Keats' The Snowy Day (2017)

Collaboration Opportunities

1. Innovative Literacy Programs: Pope seeks partnerships developing classroom resources that blend STEM and arts education. Her 2024 initiative focuses on AI-assisted personalized reading plans for ESL students.

2. Diversity Metrics in Publishing: She prioritizes data-driven projects analyzing representation gaps in children's media, particularly for Native American and neurodiverse protagonists.

3. Intergenerational Learning Models: Successful pitches demonstrate how senior volunteers can enhance early childhood literacy programs through structured storytelling initiatives.

Awards and Industry Recognition

• 2016 Daytime Emmy® (Educational Children's Series): Recognized her executive production leadership on The Snowy Day Amazon special
• 2021 Literacy Leader Award: National Book Foundation honor for expanding access to diverse authors
• 2023 Urban Education Fellowship: Selected by NYC Department of Education to redesign arts curriculum frameworks