The Literacy Connection names new executive director
The Literacy Connection, a nonprofit based in Elgin, announces Megan Wheless as the organization’s new executive director.
Wheless brings over 20 years of educational experience to the role, both as a high school English teacher and as an English as a Second Language instructor to adult immigrants.
Previously, she was volunteer coordinator of DeKalb County for AmeriCorps Seniors (a national volunteer service) and worked closely with over a dozen nonprofit organizations to develop and promote their volunteer needs and base through marketing, outreach events, program design, and volunteer engagement.
Her bilingual skills in Spanish are an additional asset to her new role and she looks forward to engaging more fully with the Latinx community in Elgin and the surrounding areas.
“I am passionate about literacy. I feel honored to assist my co-workers and board members here at The Literacy Connection to promote our services and make a direct impact on our learners and their families,” Wheless said. “The Literacy Connection team is top-notch and committed to the organization’s mission of providing quality tutoring and literacy services. I look forward to being able to utilize my skills and experiences to support the growth and development of our important programs.”
Outside of her work at The Literacy Connection, Wheless is a writer. Her first novel, “Guardians of the Keys,” was published in June 2022 by Warren Publishing. She also loves gardening, baking, and hiking nearby forest preserves with her equally creative husband, a formulations chemist and artist.
Wheless’s creativity as well as her educational and nonprofit expertise are assets to The Literacy Connection and to the broader community.
Her first event with the organization will be their spelling bee fundraiser at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27, in the Elgin Community College Dining Room, 1700 Spartan Drive. Doors open at 9 a.m. The community is invited to this event and tickets are on sale now via www.elginliteracy.org. To join in the competition, cost is $150 for a team of three or $200 for a team of four. For $50, an individual can be placed on a team with 2-3 other participants for the team portion of the event. Purchase team tickets by Wednesday, April 10.
Audience member tickets for $20 are available in advance and at the door until sold out.
Proceeds will benefit The Literacy Connection’s mission to help adults in the northwest suburbs reach their literacy goals through one-on-one and group tutoring. More information is available at www.elginliteracy.org.