Meet Our Path to Shine, Inc.®- Columbus Affiliate Coordinator

Brandy Tolbert has been a pillar of the Columbus community for over a decade, currently serving as the Executive Director of Literacy Alliance. In addition to Literacy Alliance, as of July 2025, she is furthering her involvement with East Carver Heights by serving as Path to Shine, Inc. – Columbus Affiliate

Brandy Tolbert, Affiliate Coordinator Path to Shine, Inc. - Columbus

Director! Already having two children, a part of Boxwood Soccer, her appointment to the position is a testament to her dedication not only to our organization but to our community as well.

After the organization’s Co-Founder, Lisa Herring, expressed the need to continue expanding Path to Shine, Inc. – Columbus. Brandy knew she could assist in expanding the positive experience Path to Shine has to offer for children and their parents. “I had the opportunity to speak with the participants and visit during an afternoon session.

While leaving, I knew program aligns with my purpose.” Understanding that communities are built with the help of parents, scholars, and support staff, within her first 90 days, she plans to close the gap in the mentor-scholar ratio to 1:1 and develop quarterly family fellowship nights beginning in 2026!

Brandy expressed the want to incorporate family engagement nights where we mingle and fellowship amongst one another outside of programming. Fellowship nights are designed to deepen the connection between Path to Shine participants, their families, and mentors.

Her intentions on strengthening academic confidence and engagement in our students consist of setting high expectations and providing genuine support and praise. Brandy stated, “This method goes beyond instant gratification by instilling self-worth and increasing comprehension simultaneously.”

Strengthening students’ academic confidence isn’t an individual task. It is a group effort, between the director, mentors, parents, and students. Brandy will counterbalance mentor-volunteer expectations “by first informing them of the purpose and procedures of the project or program, demonstrating tasks,

providing written prompts/information and ongoing support.”

Brandy herself, also aims to occasionally work alongside volunteers, and assessing and familiarizing herself “with the current participants to ensure continued growth and satisfaction from services provided.” It’s important to Brandy that she has time to get to know all Path to Shine mentors and participants, as it is key to understanding if her efforts are helpful and effective.

Brandy explains, “Path to Shine is important for our Columbus youth because it offers unique support for families in need of individualized support, without a financial requirement. Research tells us that youth in

poverty are less likely to have access to tutoring services and a safe learning environment outside of school. This program provides that and more for local families, while alleviating barriers.”