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 also brings experience in marketing and advertising having worked as a media planner/buyer in the Houston advertising industry.   

Through fourteen-years of service, to date, in National Charity League, Inc. Brenda has served in a variety of local, regional, and national leadership positions. She has a thorough knowledge of non-profit governance and is a strong advocate of community partnership building, mentoring and leadership development. In addition to volunteering, Brenda enjoys traveling and of course, reading. She lists Charlotte's Web as her all-time favorite children's book.   

An alumna of Texas A&M University, with a degree in Journalism, Brenda is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSU-Shreveport. She will complete graduate studies in the spring of 2023. 

Laura is a retired educator with 36 years of experience. Through 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 elementary aged children have access to reading materials to increase their love for books and learning. She strongly believes in developing a community of learners.        

Laura has been a member of the Junior League of The Woodlands for 30 years. Through her work with the  JLTW, Laura has held leadership positions in several areas with a focus on serving the community. She has also been a member of the National Charity League, Inc. for 25 years. Laura has held numerous leadership positions at the Chapter, District and National levels. In her current role, she is a Chapter Coordinator for newly formed NCL chapters. 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. 

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 degree in Business from the University of Texas, Austin and a Masters degree in Business Administration degree 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 Process Improvement, and Merger & Acquisition Integration.  She is currently the Director of Program Management at BWC Terminals in Houston, Texas.  

Lorraine has always been passionate about community service which dates to her childhood years when she earned the Girl Scout Gold Award.  She volunteers with numerous nonprofit organizations in the Cypress community and is a member of National Charity League, Inc. where she served as Chapter Board President, Parliamentarian, and VP Communications as well as on the National Nominating Committee.  She enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors.  Her favorite books as a child were The Little House on the Prairie series which sparked her life-long love of historical fiction.  

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 degree in Interior Design with a minor in Art History from the University of Houston.