Program: Dr. Janet Goff: Literacy is F(read)om

Title of presentation:  Literacy is F(read)om: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Name: Dr. Jennifer Goff 

Title: Executive Director

Organization: REACH, Inc. (Reading Enriches All Children)

Education: 

B.S., Recreation and Tourism Studies, Old Dominion University (2009)

MSEd., Recreation and Tourism Management, Old Dominion University (2010)

PhD., Sport and Recreation Management, Old Dominion University (2016)

Bio:

Prior to becoming the Executive Director of REACH, Inc. in May 2017, Dr. Goff was active in academia and youth development through her various roles at Old Dominion University. During her time at the university, Jennifer was the Director of CARE Now, a service-learning in and after-school program that promoted character and resiliency in youth who faced at-risk situations, taught and lead service projects in the Park, Recreation and Tourism Program, was the Assistant Director of the Big Blue Summer Camp, as well as served as a Research Assistant. During her time at ODU, her research and passion allowed her to present at the national, regional, and local level, publish many peer-reviewed journal articles, and become the first female to graduate from her PhD program. Dr. Goff currently leads a cause-driven organization that strategically addresses barriers to literacy our children and families face throughout Coastal Virginia. Under her leadership, REACH launched The Big Free Bookstore that provides new, high- quality books at no cost to families. During her short leadership at REACH, they have tripled its distribution of resources, more than doubled its operating budget, grown from 2 FT employees to a staff of 5 FT and 10 PT employees, and has moved from 500sq ft to more than 10,000 inside one of Norfolk’s most iconic malls. REACH was also recently presented the Giving Back Award from Coastal Virginia magazine in 2020; The UPLIFT award from the City of Norfolk, and most recently Dr. Jennifer Goff was named Top 40 Under 40 for her leadership in 2021 by Inside Business, 2022 40 under 40 with Old Dominion University and is the 2022 Darden College of Education and Professional Studies Fellow for her exemplary service and impact within her field.

Email: jgoff@reachreads.org Phone: 757-627-4722

Address: 880 N Military Hwy, Military Circle Mall Suite 1015 REACH, Norfolk, VA 23502

Website: www.reachreads.org