Reflecting on Leaders in Literacy & Looking Ahead to 40 Years of Impact

Gratitude for a Meaningful Gathering – and a Big Milestone Ahead

Crystal Avent, DLC's Executive Director, gives a warm and inviting welcome.

On May 30, 2025, we were honored to gather with so many of you to celebrate the 18th Annual Leaders in Literacy event. It was a joyful and inspiring event filled with powerful stories, heartfelt connections, and a deep sense of community.

Together, we raised over $110,000 in support of adult learners and the life-changing programs offered through the Durham Literacy Center.

We were honored to present this year’s Leaders in Literacy Award to The Forest at Duke. Executive Director Anita Holt accepted the award on behalf of the organization, in recognition of their longstanding, generous partnership and unwavering support of the Durham Literacy Center

Our keynote speaker, Jason deBruyn, supervising editor for digital news at WUNC, brought a meaningful connection to this year’s event. A former youth tutor and board member at the Durham Literacy Center. His words reminded us of the lasting impact DLC has—not just on our learners, but on everyone who becomes part of this community. A true highlight of the evening was hearing from Miriam Valle, a former DLC student turned entrepreneur and current contractor at the Center. Her courageous and heartfelt story reminded us of the transformative power of education and perseverance.

Crystal Avent, Jason deBruyn, Miriam Valle, and DLC Board Chair Ike Thomas

Miriam Valle. Speaker, DLC contractor and former student at DLC.

Lining up for a delicious meal — the best conversations always start at the buffet!

Board member Dan Oldman, who led the planning of this year’s event, and Miriam Valle worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help make Leaders in Literacy 2025 a tremendous success.

Board members Linda Anderson and Gail Faulkner share a moment with DLC Executive Director Crystal Avent during the evening’s celebration.

To everyone who made this unforgettable event possible — our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, inspiring speakers, loyal donors, and wonderful guests — thank you. Your unwavering support sustains the mission of the DLC and lights the way forward.

Coming This Fall: Our 40th Anniversary Celebration

As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we’re also preparing for a major milestone in our history—the 40th Anniversary of the Durham Literacy Center.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate four decades of advancing literacy and opportunity in Durham.

Visit our Events Page to learn more:

Save the Date:

The Cotton Room, Durham 

Thursday, November 6, 2025

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

We can’t wait to celebrate this legacy—and future—with you.

With Gratitude,

Crystal Avent

Executive Director

The Durham Literacy Center