About 826DC

We’re using writing to build a better world

826DC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting DC students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.

We’re on a mission to help students develop a lasting, positive relationship with writing that catalyzes their ability to live into their fullest possibility.

We envision a future in which every young person in DC is able to confidently use writing to communicate their experiences, explore new ideas, and enjoy the creative process.

How we teach

We take fun seriously

The atmosphere in 826DC’s workshops and writing labs is electric. Some students are crafting platforms to run for Kid President. Others are making plans for a zombie apocalypse…and everyone is having the time of their life.

826 National

A country-wide movement for creative writing

826DC is one of nine chapters in the 826 National network, which includes youth writing and publishing centers from coast to coast. Through digital resources and in-person programs, our network serves close to 350,000 students ages 6-18 each year.

Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co.

Every purchase makes real magic happen

Our Tivoli’s storefront isn’t just DC’s only magic shop; it also funds 826DC’s writing programs! Pick up a new party trick, grab a unique gift or illusion, and browse books published by our students. 100% of the proceeds support our work.

Don’t need a magic wand, but still want to support 826DC? Just click here to donate.

The 826DC Team

Meet our team of magic-makers

Andrea Nelson, the Director of Education at 826DC, is laughing and wearing a black shirt in front of a yellow background.

Andrea Nelson

Director of Education
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Robyn Lingo

Robyn Lingo

Executive Director
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Emma Pred-Sosa smiles in front of a city.

Emma Pred-Sosa

Director of Development
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Cristopher Lee

Associate Director of School Programs
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Sarah Richman, 826DC Senior Manager of Communications and Development

Sarah Richman

Associate Director of Communications and Development
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Abby Araujo smiles in a pair of black glasses

Abbilemnis A. Araujo

Senior Operations Manager
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Conor Murphy has a long beard, glasses, and a purple flowered shirt.

Conor Murphy

After-School Writing Lab Assistant
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Margaret Kelley headshot

Margaret Kelley

Store Coordinator
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Eisa Abu-Sbaih

Communications and Development Intern
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Fátima Mendoza Choto

Fátima Mendoza Choto

Educational Programming intern
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Mario Howard

Educational Programming Intern
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Tyler Grigsby

Tyler Grigsby

Community Programs Manager
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Sara Jackson smiles on the street outside 826DC. She is wearing a black blazer.

Sara Jackson

School Residency Coordinator
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Charlotte Van Schaack

Educational Programming Intern
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Griffin Denham

Educational Programming Intern
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Susan Gerock

Chair
More Meet Susan Gerock

Mary Kate Mullaney

Vice Chair
More Meet Mary Kate Mullaney

Siobhan O’Connor

Development Committee Chair
More Meet Siobhan O’Connor

Kelly O’Shields

Treasurer
More Meet Kelly O’Shields

Jennifer Thorpe-Lewis

Parent Liaison Chair and Secretary
More Meet Jennifer Thorpe-Lewis

W. Ralph Eubanks

Literary Liaison and Programs Committee Chair
More Meet W. Ralph Eubanks

Abigail Smith

More Meet Abigail Smith

Aneesha Badrinarayan

More Meet Aneesha Badrinarayan

Jill Dowell

More Meet Jill Dowell

Tait Sye

More Meet Tait Sye

Paul Gaj-Cappello

More Meet Paul Gaj-Cappello

Joe Callahan

Executive Director Emeritus, Co-Chair

David Wakelyn

Co-Chair

Holly Jones

Co-Founder

Julia Smith

Co-Founder

Kira Wisniewski

Co-Founder

Joe Peters

Founding Board Member

Mike Scalise

Founding Staff Member

Jessica Anya Blau

Marie Arana

Sally Bedell Smith

Carol Blue

Katie Hinman

Matt Klam

E. Ethelbert Miller

George Pelecanos

Marcela Sanchez-Bender

Susan Shreve

Rebecca Sinderbrand

RealFoundations

RealFoundations

HumanitiesDC

Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs

International Monetary Fund

Learn24 DC

National Endowment for the Arts

The Share Fund

Harman Family Foundation

Judy Family Foundation

DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities

Kimsey Foundation