A warm welcome to Margaret Kelley, 826DC’s new Store Coordinator! She’ll be staffing the soon-to-reopen Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co. storefront each Saturday.
If Margaret looks familiar, it’s because she was previously an 826DC Development and Communications intern! We’re delighted to have Margaret back on the team, this time as a staff member.
When she isn’t making magic happen at 826DC, Margaret studies Human Services and Social Justice, as well as Spanish, at George Washington University. She’s also an avid crocheter and on a mission to find the best tacos in the District.
Check out this Q&A to learn more about Margaret:
Name: Margaret Kelley
Title: Store Coordinator
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Rochester, MN
What drew you to 826DC?
Before becoming Store Coordinator, I found 826DC as a Development and Communications Intern! I was drawn to the organization’s mission to make student voices heard. Once I discovered that the storefront reflects the sense of wonder and magic I found in the students’ writing, I knew my time at 826DC would not end with my internship.
If you were a magician, what would be your signature magic trick?
Making strawberries disappear into thin air!
Growing up, what was your favorite book?
My favorite book was (and still is) The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. I felt transported alongside Milo into a world that taught me the magic of words and inspired my love of learning.
What inspired you to get involved with this kind of work, and why do you think it’s so important?
I’ve always been taught that the most valuable thing one can have is education and to see every experience as an opportunity to learn. My two main goals in life are to learn all that I can and to help other students along their learning journeys. The latter has led me to become involved in a number of youth- and education-focused nonprofits. I am grateful to be a part of this organization that honors and uplifts the voices of students while empowering them to achieve their academic goals.