Meet La Familia
Our mission is to nurture a love for reading and expand access to diverse, bilingual, and socially conscious literature. As a multi-racial family from the northwest side of Chicago, we cherish the transformative power of books to shape worldviews and support positive racial identity development in children of color. Building on our roots with 51st Ward Books, we continue our work of providing quality, own voices stories that inspire and uplift the next generation of leaders for justice.
Nina D. Sánchez
Co-Founder
Nina D. Sánchez is a proud second-generation Chicagoan with roots in Pilsen and Central Mexico. As the Executive Director of Enrich Chicago, Nina collaborates with a network of 50 arts and philanthropic organizations whose goal it is to end racism in the arts. She has nearly 20 years of experience working to advance equity in the arts, education, and leadership development spaces across the Chicagoland area. She is a lifelong book lover and fan of Read to Succeed. She currently serves on the board of Pilsen Arts & Community House.
Michael Wren
Co-Founder
Michael is a jack of all trades, and is motivated by big books and big ideas in his journey of personal growth. In addition to spending the last 6 of 12 professional fundraising years at the Field Museum, Michael is a father, husband, and chef, a picture-framing enthusiast, a soccer player, Mr. fix-it (and occasionally Mr. Break-it), an aspiring author, and is always on the lookout for somebody who needs help changing a flat tire. Michael oversees inventory management, bookkeeping, website maintenance, and more.
Vida C. Wren Sánchez
Chief Book Advisor
Vida is a student of the Chicago Public Schools. When she is not at school, she spends her free time reading, tumbling, and playing with her primos.