We’re looking forward to introducing you to Norma Nelson. Check out our conversation below.
Norma , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is one of my personal core values, as well as an organizational value for Readers 2 Leaders, the nonprofit where I serve as President & CEO. Staying consistent to my beliefs and values matters, and I try to be both honest and inclusive in all my endeavors.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Norma Nelson, and I have the privilege of serving as the President & CEO of Readers 2 Leaders, a Dallas-based nonprofit with the mission to equip students for success through the power of reading. At R2L, we believe that literacy opens doors—so we work closely with students, families, and schools to make sure every child has the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed.
What makes our work special is that we’re equipping kids for success through a variety of programs: high impact tutoring, instructional coaching for teachers, after-school programs, parent education programs and community partnerships that meet students where they are. Our team is deeply rooted in Dallas, and we’re passionate about ensuring that zip code or circumstance doesn’t determine a child’s academic future.
Right now, we’re focused on expanding our impact by investing in wrap-around innovative literacy programs, and partnerships that strengthen the pipeline of support for students ages 3-13. For me personally, this work is both professional and personal—As a former teacher and Assistant Principal, I deeply understand the power of education to transform lives, and I’m honored to help create those opportunities for the next generation of leaders and dreamers here in our city.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I always found reading came naturally to me, but math was a real struggle. I told myself, “I’m just not good at math,” and carried that belief for a long time. Over the years, though, I’ve learned about the power of a growth mindset—that our abilities aren’t fixed, and with the right support, encouragement, and practice, we can improve in areas we once thought were out of reach.
That lesson has shaped not only how I see myself but also how I lead our work at Readers 2 Leaders. I know firsthand how quickly kids can internalize negative stories about what they can or can’t do, and how limiting that can be. My passion now is to make sure students have caring adults, strong tutoring, and encouragement so they can build confidence, embrace challenges, and see new possibilities for themselves.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me something that success never could—that even in difficult seasons, there are still gifts in our lives to be grateful for. We will all experience hardship at some point, but those moments have a way of sharpening our vision. They remind us of what truly matters, the loved ones who stand by us, and the simple good things in life we might otherwise overlook.
For me, the hard times have deepened my gratitude and made the joyful moments even sweeter. Success is wonderful, but it doesn’t always slow us down to reflect. Suffering does. And in that space, we often discover resilience, perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the people and opportunities in our lives.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the nonprofit sector is the belief that we have to compete with one another to “win.” Too often, organizations operate out of a scarcity mindset—thinking there aren’t enough resources, funding, or opportunities to go around. That mindset can push us into silos and limit our effectiveness.
What I’ve learned is that true growth and impact come through collaboration. When nonprofits share ideas, resources, and strengths, we not only serve more people but also create more sustainable solutions. Collaboration builds scalability in ways competition never will.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I can slow down and be present—whether that’s walking my dogs in the quiet of the morning, journaling with a cup of coffee, or spending time with loved ones without distractions. Those simple, grounded moments remind me to breathe, notice the little things, and just be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.readers2leaders.org/
- Instagram: @readers2leaders
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/readers2leaders/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readers2leaders
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@readers2leaders
Image Credits
Readers 2 Leaders
