Meet the Team: Tirthna Badhiwala

The Literacy Lab is excited to welcome Tirthna Badhiwala to the team this year. She will be serving as a Data and Systems Associate and her work will support the growth and impact of our data-driven programs.

What were you doing before you joined the Literacy Lab team?

I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at a nonprofit in North Carolina.

What influenced you to apply for your position at The Literacy Lab?

The Literacy Lab’s core values resonated strongly with me. They’re qualities that I look for not only in a nonprofit organization that provides direct services, but also in fellow team members. From reading the core values, I knew that The Literacy Lab is serious about closing the achievement gap, and the work that a vision like that requires.

What is one of your personal core values?

There’s a quote from Dr. Su’ad Khabeer that I love: “You don’t need to be a voice for the voiceless. Just pass the mic.” I approach all of my social impact work through that lens.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position at The Literacy Lab?

I’m most excited to be working with a group of people who work with a strong sense of urgency and responsibility.

What’s your children’s favorite book?

“A Bad Case of Stripes” by David Shannon.

In her role, Tirthna will help amplify the story of our tutors and students through capturing and synthesizing their growth throughout the school year. As a data-driven organization, The Literacy Lab is particularly excited about expanding our Data and Systems team!