Cary Spotlight Connect 🎧
Host: Dr. Chris Coetzer, Founder of Cary Spotlight
Guest: Kashika Paul, Founder of The Read Initiative (Literacy Nonprofit)
The Teen Making Reading Cool Again
What started as a childhood love of books has become a growing youth-led literacy movement. In this episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, Dr. Chris Coetzer welcomes Kashika Paul, a 17-year-old high school senior, published author, and founder of The Read Initiative.
Kashika shares how writing her first novel at age seven inspired her passion for helping other young people discover the joy of reading and creative writing. She discusses the challenges of launching her nonprofit, including an initially empty book donation bin that eventually led to approximately 100 donated books and a successful Blind Date with a Book event.
Now expanding from Wake County into Pitt County, The Read Initiative is empowering students to lead literacy projects in their own communities. Kashika's story demonstrates how persistence, creativity, and community partnerships can transform one student's vision into a movement with the potential for nationwide impact..
What You’ll Learn
How Kashika began writing at seven and published her first novel at 13.
Why she founded The Read Initiative to make reading exciting and accessible for young people.
How she transformed an unsuccessful book drive into a collection of approximately 100 books.
How Blind Date with a Book brought together literacy, local businesses, and student artists.
How a Governor's School seminar inspired the creation of a Pitt County chapter.
How students can volunteer, build leadership skills, and launch literacy chapters in their communities.
Memorable Quotes
“sometimes I just need to like change my approach rather than giving up.” — Kashika Paul
“You just have to be passionate about making a difference.” — Kashika Paul
“there is always going to be a place for you in the Read Initiative.” — Kashika Paul
A Special Shoutout from Kashika Paul
"I'd like to give a special shoutout to my incredible team at The Read Initiative for helping turn my vision into something bigger than I ever imagined. I'm also incredibly grateful to my family for their constant love and support, especially my younger sister, Avika Paul, who has helped with everything from making bookmarks to outreach efforts. None of this would have been possible without the amazing people supporting me along the way!"
Call to Action
Help make reading and writing more accessible to the next generation! Join The Read Initiative's Wake County team, start a student-led chapter in your county, or connect with Kashika to explore volunteer opportunities.
Organization: The Read Initiative
Website: thereadinitiative.org
Instagram: @the.read.initiative
Email: [email protected]
Kashika Paul, Founder of The Read Initiative (Literacy Nonprofit) Photo Credit: The Read Initiative
Stats & Moments
Age 7: Kashika began writing her fantasy novel, Enchanted: Not Everything Is as It Seems.
Age 13: She published her first book.
November 2025: Founded The Read Initiative at age 16.
Approximately 100 books: Collected through her first school book drive.
2 counties: The initiative expanded from Wake County to Pitt County.
Future vision: Student-led literacy chapters throughout North Carolina and eventually across the United States.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and welcome
00:20 — Meet Kashika Paul and The Read Initiative
00:40 — Discovering a love for reading and writing
02:02 — From writing at seven to publishing at 13
03:33 — Why Kashika founded The Read Initiative
04:40 — The empty donation bin and lessons in persistence
06:16 — Creating Blind Date with a Book
07:39 — Governor's School and expansion into Pitt County
08:46 — Building a statewide student-led literacy movement
09:31 — How to volunteer or start a local chapter
10:26 — Opportunities for students to make a difference
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