Authors

Core Values

At HOPE AND SUCCESS VENTURES, our core values guide our actions and define our commitment to our mission. We uphold the following premium and distinct values.

Effective Services

We strive to deliver services that make a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of our clients. Our programs and initiatives are designed to achieve tangible and measurable outcomes, ensuring that we effectively address the needs of the students we serve

Efficient Solutions

We are dedicated to finding efficient and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by young people of color. We embrace creativity, adaptability, and continuous improvement to ensure that our initiatives yield the best possible results.

Integrity

We maintain the highest ethical standards and operate with integrity in all aspects of our work. We are transparent, accountable, and honest in our interactions with students, parents, partners, and stakeholders.

Honesty

We value open and honest communication. We foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing their thoughts, and seeking the truth. Honesty is at the core of our relationships and decision-making processes.

Trust

Trust is the foundation of our work. We strive to build and maintain trust with our students, families, and community partners. We honor our commitments, act with consistency, and foster a sense of reliability and dependability.

Quality

We are committed to providing high-quality services and programs that meet the highest standards of excellence. We continuously evaluate and improve our practices to ensure that our students receive the best possible educational experiences

Affordability

We believe that access to quality educational opportunities should not be hindered by financial barriers. We strive to make our services affordable and accessible to all, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit the potential of young people.

Accessibility

We are dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of our work. We aim to reach and support students in diverse communities, ensuring that our programs are available to those who need them most.

Author

Natasha Veale

Natasha Veal is a multi-talented individual with a passion for education, creativity, and community engagement. With a diverse educational background, Natasha holds an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Montclair State University, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from William Paterson University.

As a dedicated wife and mother, Natasha draws inspiration from her son Isaiah, who fuels her endless pursuit of knowledge and growth. With over 25 years of experience as a Preschool Teacher, Natasha has honed her skills in nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. Prior to her teaching career, she worked as a graphic designer, showcasing her artistic abilities and eye for detail.

Natasha’s love for reading and literature led her to become a longstanding member of the Sisters Are Reading Book Club, based in Northern New Jersey. She understands the power of books in shaping minds and igniting imaginations. Committed to making a difference, Natasha actively gives back to her community by distributing books across New Jersey, volunteering at a local food bank, and utilizing her crochet skills to craft hats for newborns at her local hospital.

With an unwavering belief in her own capabilities, Natasha embraces challenges and is always eager to learn new things. She finds solace in her creative pursuits, particularly in crochet and various crafts. Her experiences as a preschool teacher have gifted her with the ability to witness the pure joy in children’s eyes when they discover a book that captures their imagination.

Natasha’s favorite quote, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” by Tim Notke, perfectly encapsulates her relentless drive and dedication to personal growth. She eagerly awaits the next chapter in her life, ready to embrace new opportunities, and continue making a positive impact in the world.

Author

Bernadette Ilo

Bernadette Iloghalu is a compassionate and dedicated preschool teacher with a passion for working with students who have diverse learning abilities. Originally from Nigeria, she brings a rich cultural background and experiences to her teaching practice. Growing up as the oldest of six children, Bernadette developed a nurturing and supportive nature from a young age.

Bernadette pursued her passion for education by earning a BA in Education from the esteemed University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She recognized the importance of inclusive education and went on to specialize in Special Education at Bloomfield College in New Jersey, further expanding her knowledge and skills in supporting students with diverse learning needs.

With her warm and patient approach, Bernadette finds great joy in teaching and interacting with children. She embraces the unique qualities and talents of each child, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Her dedication to serving children, especially those with special needs, has opened numerous opportunities for her to make a lasting impact.

In addition to her role as a teacher, Bernadette expresses her creativity through writing children’s books and engaging in various crafts such as crocheting. She believes in the power of storytelling to captivate young minds and inspire a love for reading. Bernadette’s experiences as both an educator and a writer allow her to connect with children on multiple levels, fostering their imagination and fostering a lifelong love for literature.

With her educational background and unwavering commitment to children’s growth and development, Bernadette continues to make a difference in the lives of her students. Her dedication, cultural insights, and expertise in special education create an enriching and inclusive learning environment where all children can thrive.

Author

Margaret J. Cunningham

Margaret J. Cunningham is a dedicated educator and author who made a remarkable career transition from Wall Street to the world of education. With a passion for opening minds and inspiring young learners, Margaret has devoted over 15 years to shaping the educational experiences of students.

Margaret’s journey began as a 5th-grade English and Social Studies teacher, where she discovered her fascination with understanding why some students were not reaching their reading potential. Determined to make a difference, she took a unique approach by creating her own Reading Olympics program in the classroom. Students were challenged to complete a minimum of eight novels per marking period, engaging in discussions about the books to earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medals. This innovative initiative not only motivated students to read but also fostered a sense of achievement and love for literature.

Driven by her passion for literacy, Margaret went on to construct a library in her classroom using gutter material to showcase book covers. This creative display captivated her students and further nurtured their love for reading. Inspired by the profound impact she could make as a library media specialist, Margaret transitioned into this role, allowing her to build ongoing relationships with her students year after year and personalize book recommendations based on their individual preferences.

Margaret firmly believes that finding the “just right” book for each student is magical. She recognizes that equipping students with strong reading skills at an early age is essential for their overall academic success and confidence. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that all students reach a second-grade reading level or higher by the end of second grade, empowering them to approach third grade ready to read to learn.

Motivated by this challenge, Margaret has accepted the mission of promoting literacy and empowering students to become lifelong learners. Through her writing, she aims to inspire educators, parents, and students to recognize the power of reading and the joy it can bring to their lives. With her expertise and unwavering dedication, Margaret J. Cunningham is making a lasting impact on the literacy journey of young learners and paving the way for their future success.

Author

Kimi Freeman

Kimi Freeman writes heartfelt contemporary romance and is an avid lover of all things dance. A northern New Jersey native, she is often found enjoying a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel or taking trips into New York City, a short distance from her hometown. Her stories are swoon-worthy, fun, and always guarantee a sweet happily ever after. Follow her on her Instagram @kimifreeman_ or checkout her website authorkimifreeman.com for updates.