September 11, 2024

A New Chapter at the OLC: a message from Sanam Jorjani

A New Chapter for the Oakland Literacy Coalition

A New Chapter at the OLC

It’s with a mix of emotions that I’m sharing an important transition in our leadership that marks a new chapter for the Oakland Literacy Coalition. At the end of this year, my colleague, co-founder, and friend, Cassie Perham, will be stepping down from her role as Co-Executive Director of the OLC. I will continue as Executive Director in 2025 to carry forward the OLC’s mission, vision, and impact with our passionate and talented team.

Cassie’s unwavering commitment to strengthening literacy outcomes and her strategic insight have been instrumental in creating a solid foundation for the organization and driving our mission forward. Her talent and contributions as a leader, including her care for our work, our team, and our community, have shaped the very core of our organization.

I am honored to have worked in a co-leadership model with Cassie for the past eight years, which has allowed us to leverage our complementary strengths and perspectives and foster a dynamic and collaborative approach to decision-making and organizational growth. As the OLC moves into its next stage, I am confident that our team will carry forward the same passion, commitment, and values that have always guided us. In the coming months, I will work closely with Cassie, our Board of Directors, and our entire team to ensure a strong transition and continue the momentum and impact of our programs and initiatives.

The OLC has always been rooted in a strong foundation of community and collaboration. In that spirit, I thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership. Cassie will always be a part of our story, and I look forward to celebrating her incredible contributions with all of you as we move forward.

We welcome the opportunity to connect with you before Cassie’s departure at the end of December, either by contacting us or joining us at our Chapters of Change fundraiser on September 18. We are delighted to be honoring Brian Rogers, whose vision led to the creation of the Oakland Literacy Coalition, as we look ahead to this next horizon for our organization.

With gratitude and excitement for the future,

Sanam Jorjani

To share her own thoughts on this transition, Cassie has prepared a personal note, which you’ll find below.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It has been a joy and honor to spend the last 14 years working to advance the OLC’s mission in partnership with an extraordinary community of people and organizations committed to Oakland students.

While this decision is very bittersweet, it comes at a time that is right for my family and at a moment where our organization is thriving and well-positioned for continued growth under Sanam’s visionary and skillful leadership.

I am so proud of our work, from the early years at the Rogers Family Foundation and since launching the OLC as an independent nonprofit eight years ago. We’ve created a national conference for educators and practitioners, connected families with resources and culturally affirming books, provided needed support for OUSD school libraries, and most importantly, established deeply rooted partnerships throughout our community in service of a shared vision of literacy success.

My focus in the coming months is to work with our team and partners to ensure a successful transition. I will always remain a friend and strong supporter of the OLC and will continue to champion this work, our students’ right to literacy, and the belief that through community collaboration we can realize a future where every child learns and loves to read.

With deep gratitude for all we’ve achieved together and with great anticipation for the bright future ahead,

Cassie Perham

Back to Blog