Our Purpose

Brenda has 25+ years of experience serving non-profits in greater Houston, with a passion for organizations that enrich children’s lives and a specific interest in literacy. Currently, Brenda runs the day-to-day operations of Barkley’s Bookshelf. She believes accessibility to reading resources and literacy skills determines future success in life. 

Brenda has served in a variety of local, regional, and national leadership positions with non-profit organizations. She has a thorough knowledge of non-profit governance and is a strong advocate of community partnership building, mentoring, and leadership development. 

An alumna of Texas A&M University, with an undergraduate degree in Journalism, Brenda also holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSU-Shreveport. She is a member of Nu Lambda Mu, the international honor society for non-profit management, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship. 

Laura is a retired educator with 36 years of experience. Throughout her career, she held positions as a middle school teacher and an Assistant Principal in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. As a lifelong learner, Laura has a passion for education with an emphasis on literacy. Her goal is to ensure that all children have access to reading materials to increase their love for books and learning. She strongly believes in developing a community of learners. 

Laura is a member of the Junior League of The Woodlands and National Charity League, Inc. Laura has held numerous leadership positions in both organizations with an emphasis on serving the community. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading and traveling. 

Laura has a Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University. She also holds a Masters of Education degree with a Reading Specialist endorsement from Georgia State University. As a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. 

As a founding member of Barkley’s Bookshelf, Laura is serving as the Board Secretary. She believes that every person brings unique experiences and personal perspectives that will work to advance our mission to enrich children’s love of reading by providing books that they can call their own.

Julie is a Global Audit Manager for ExxonMobil and has 30+ years of corporate experience in numerous global roles.  She is a lifelong supporter of non-profits and of promoting literacy.  

Julie was a member of National Charity League, Inc. with her three daughters.  She served on the Chapter Board in various roles.  She supported ExxonMobil's United Way campaign for several years.   In her leisure, she enjoys reading and traveling.  

Julie has a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Texas, Austin and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma, Norman.  

Lorraine has over 30 years of corporate experience, having held leadership roles in operations, information technology, organizational change, business improvements, and integrations. She is currently the Director of Program Management at BWC Terminals in Houston, Texas. 

Lorraine has always been passionate about community service and believes volunteering is an act of service that not only benefits our favorite communities and causes but nurtures our personal growth and connections with others. She has been a life-long volunteer with numerous nonprofit organizations and has held leadership roles at the local, district and national levels. She enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. 

Lorraine has Bachelor of Science degrees in Food Science and Dietetics & Food Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Carrie has a passion for creativity and connecting through communications. This serves her well in her role as the Strategic Communications Director for Barkley’s Bookshelf.  Her career prior to raising her three children was in project management in the Texas Medical Center.  

Carrie currently resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where she continues to serve on local non-profit boards and volunteer in her community.  Reading to her children was always a favorite activity for all.  Carrie fully supports the mission behind Barkley’s Bookshelf in providing children with books they can call their own to further instill a love for literature.   Carrie has over 20 years of volunteering with non-profit organizations.  Her volunteer duties range from front line worker to various board positions and national committees.  She is a consistent volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Friends of the Rockwall County Library and National Charity League, Inc. In her spare time, Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time in Galveston.   

Carrie has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design with a minor in Art History from the University of Houston.