In this inspiring episode, Nick and Christine sit down with author, educator, and literacy advocate Clianda Florence, the powerhouse behind Let’s Get L.I.T. and Strength 2 Say. From her journey in education and motherhood to her mission to transform literacy in Rochester, Clianda shares powerful insights into resilience, advocacy, and the life-changing power of reading. The conversation touches on her personal story, community impact, and how she’s helping families build home libraries and rewrite their futures—one book at a time.

About Clianda Florence

Email: authorcliandaflorence@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cliandaflorence-52b788299

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cliandaarnee

Facebook Pages: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561478947457

www.facebook.com/strengthtosaysomething

Self-published author, Clianda Florence, is a mother of 3 children: Brianda, Ian, and Malachi. She resides in Rochester, New York, and has been in education since 2004. She is the Founder and CEO of “Strength 2 Say”, where she offers classes, book studies, professional development opportunities, and tutoring services. She is also the Founder & CEO of “Let’s Get L.I.T.” (Liberating Individuals Through Literacy Texts) where she aids the community in restoring joy, hope, and love for children and their parents on their literary journey. The program provides resources, book clubs, and aids families by building home libraries, bridging the gap between home and school, and teaching cursive writing. Clianda is an advocate for education and literacy. She believes literacy is the greatest social justice issue of our generation. Her literacy initiatives have been recognized by New York State Senator, Jeremy Cooney, who awarded her $25,000 to help impact literacy in and throughout Rochester, New York and the New York State Commendation Award. Clianda was also recognized by New York State Senator, Samra G. Brouk, with a Proclamation honoring Let’s Get L.I.T. for Advancing Literacy and Empowering Communities. Within 6 months, she has been able to secure $104, 999 in grants to further the impact where 57% of Rochester residents are reading at a basic proficiency level equivalent to 6th grade students. While partnering with the Rochester Science Museum and a collaboration with the “Take It Down” organization, she assisted with creating a curriculum on anti-racist programming for participants from the 3rd grade to adults. She currently offers classes to empower women to see their beauty and strength and to walk in their boldness. Clianda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bennett College for Women, a Masters of Education from Nazareth College, and an advanced Master’s Degree of Education Administration from Brockport College. She was recently accepted to the University of Rochester to obtain her Doctorate of Teaching & Curriculum with the focus on literacy. She is a current member of the Church of Christ, the Rochester chapter of the NAACP, serves as a board member for the Feminist Choosing Life NY (FCLNY), and serves as a board member for the Re-Entry & Community Development Center of Rochester, New York. She currently hosts a popular podcast, “Let’s Get Lit” on the WDKX 103.9 FM radio network. “I believe literacy opens doors to wonder and a deeper level of communication,” says Clianda.

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