Our TEAM - Kiwanis Literacy Club Foundation

Douglas Chadwick – President / Excutive Director & Founder

Douglas Chadwick has been a committed community leader since 1988, dedicated to expanding access to books for children in need. Under his leadership, he has designed and built over 175 Little Libraries and helped distribute over $5 million in books worldwide. Through this ongoing initiative, he remains steadfast in ensuring every child has the resources to develop strong literacy skills and thrive in life.

Benjamin Delgado – Vice President Director

Benjamin has been giving back and serving the Los Angeles community where he was born for over 15 years. He has spearheaded programs for low-income children and families throughout the San Fernando Valley. The programs include Digital & Financial Literacy, Early Child Development Programs, Youth Leadership & S.T.E.A.M. Summer Camps, Reading Circles, and much more. Most recently he established the “Literacy for Life Campaign” for the Youth Policy Institute.

Kelly Peña – Board Member and Assistant Treasurer

Kelly Peña is a brand strategist and consumer insights consultant with a Master’s Degree in Journalism. She has held executive roles at Disney, American Express, and Hilton Hotels, bringing extensive expertise in strategy and storytelling. Passionate about literacy, Kelly believes, “When we give a child a book, we’re not just sharing words on a page—we’re opening doors to endless possibilities.”

Valarie Brown-Klingelhoefer – Founder – Director Immediate Past President

Valarie has a Doctoral Degree in College Student Personnel Administration. Books were her first friends — moving 17 times in the first 15 years of her life, her favorite books were the one constant. As a member of Kiwanis International over the past 10 years, she has focused her energy on literacy — empowering children to read through book drives and sponsoring book boxes. She shares her love of reading with every child in her community. They can count on Auntie Val giving them a book for every birthday and holiday

Gail Cirata – Board Member

Gail has been a Real Estate Broker since 1978. She Previously worked for The Pebble Beach Company in Spanish Bay, Del Webb Corp. and throughout Sonoma County. She currently lives and works in Sun City Lincoln Hills in Northern California. Her achievements include:

KIWANIS CAL-NEV-HA DISTRICT DIV 44 DISTINGUISHED LT. GOVERNOR 2022-2023

KIWANIS: CO-FOUNDER STAR CLUB (SEX TRAFFICKING AWARENESS RESOURCE) 2023

Barbara Olivo – Board Member

Barbara’s love of reading began as a child with Babar the Elephant and anything Dr. Seuss. Barbara’s career included a variety of positions and industries. Beginning in administrative roles and rising through to management, her most fulfilling position was curating donations of consumer products to charitable organizations. The Kiwanis Literacy Foundation was the perfect fit for book donations. Retired, Barbara focuses her time gardening, cooking, baking and of course, reading.