Oakland Literacy Council wrapped up its 40th anniversary with record-setting attendance and revenue last Thursday at its annual Ex Libris fundraising dinner, where bestselling author Angie Kim told the crowd that she’s proof that it is never too late for adults to change their trajectory and pursue their dreams.

“We are incredibly grateful for our supporters of adult literacy,” said Lisa Machesky, Executive Director of Oakland Literacy Council. “Their generosity supports our mission of delivering one-on-one tutoring to adult learners that is flexible and customizable to their needs in reading, math, GED preparation, English-as-a-Second-Language, and digital literacy.”

The crowd heard from one of those learners, Enam Mirzad, 29, who fled Afghanistan in the fall of 2021 during a U.S. military evacuation that happened so quickly Enam did not have time to bring documentation of his education. “Everything here was so hard because I didn’t know English…and I’m shy,” Enam said. With help from his tutor, Ann Manning, Enam learned to speak English, completed a tech support class with Google, and is now preparing for his high-school equivalency exam, so he can study information technology in college.

The keynote speaker, author Angie Kim, shared her own experience as a preteen immigrant from South Korea who didn’t know a word of English. She warned against the danger of assuming someone lacks intelligence because they cannot speak, a danger she wove into her latest novel, Happiness Falls, whose main character is nonverbal. Kim also noted that after earning a law degree from Harvard, she turned away from practicing law to pursue her passion for writing. Today, her novels have been translated into many languages.

Oakland Literacy Council also celebrated the dedication of Robert Gaylor, who founded the Council 40 years ago, and recognized the transformative leadership of outgoing Executive Director, Lisa Machesky.  Oakland Literacy would also like to thank the sponsors who made such a magical evening happen.

PONTIAC, Michigan – Oakland Literacy Council (OLC) is pleased to announce Laurie Weeks has been named Executive Director, effective January 2025. 

 

Weeks, a Rochester Hills resident, most recently served as OLC Program Director. Lisa Machesky, executive director since 2015, has decided to explore other opportunities. 

 

“Laurie Weeks brings strong leadership skills and a passionate commitment to our learners, tutors, and the larger community,” said Paula Brown, Oakland Literacy Council Chair. “She has been instrumental in expanding our program work and providing exceptional support and training for our 200+ volunteer tutors. We are confident Laurie is the right leader to carry on our legacy of empowering adult learners in building life-changing literacy skills.” 

 

Weeks first came to Oakland Literacy Council in 2015 as a volunteer tutor and joined the staff in 2018. She has served in key roles including development and communications, tutor recruiting and support, and her present role as program director. Prior to OLC, Laurie was a journalist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Dow Jones News Service. She also taught composition and served as a writing and ESL tutor at Oakland Community College. Laurie holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Spalding University and a BA in English from the University of Michigan.  

 

“I’m grateful to have served under Lisa’s leadership for the last six years in work that I have found incredibly purposeful and meaningful,” said Weeks. “Our mission to provide adult learning opportunities transforms the lives of our students and volunteers alike and strengthens our communities. I’m honored that the board of directors has confidence in my ability to lead this organization into the future, and I invite others to join us in this inspiring mission.” 

 

Weeks succeeds Machesky, who has guided the organization through significant growth, with a focus on serving Oakland County adults with the greatest literacy needs. During Machesky’s tenure, adult learning programs expanded from basic reading and English language learning (ESL) to include math, GED, digital literacy, and workforce training. In 2023, the OLC office was relocated to downtown Pontiac to make literacy services more accessible. Machesky also integrated powerful technology solutions into the organization, which earned OLC the 2022 Innovator Award from the Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association.

 

“We are grateful to Lisa for everything she has done for OLC and for the community,” said Brown. “She has expanded our programs by expanding our understanding of the many meanings of literacy. Lisa has served as an inspirational and innovative leader for staff, volunteers, learners, and the board of directors to assure the quality and impact of our work. We wish her well in her new ventures.” 

 

To support a successful leadership transition, Machesky and Weeks will continue to serve in their current roles through the end of 2024. 

 

“As I step away, I find myself reflective and grateful for all that we — amazing tutors, learners, staff, donors, and community partners — have accomplished together over the past nine years,” said Machesky. “Innovations in curriculum and tutor training have led to a remarkable 100%+ increase in learner performance, while investment in technology has allowed our tiny but amazing staff, along with dedicated volunteer tutors, to welcome into our community over 1,500 learners who have found new friends, new jobs, new skills, and a new nation.” 

Join Our Team

The Oakland Literacy Council is looking to expand our team!  Our vibrant office is in downtown Pontiac and serves nearly 300 adult learners and tutors annually.

Are you looking to put your accounting and office management skills to work in a cause you believe in? If so, this role might be right for you: Accounting and Operations Manager