Sarna Goldenberg was raised in Glencoe, then lived in other places, including three years in Japan, before returning to the village approximately two years ago. She and her husband, Steve, have two children, Nora, 8, and Max, 6. For the past 18 months, she has worked as the marketing director for Bernie’s Book Bank, a Lake Bluff organization that has distributed more than 10 million books to children in need.
Q: How did you get started with Bernie’s Book Bank?
A: It is an incredible organization that provides free books to at-risk children. I just fell in love with the mission and the organization, so it was a no-brainer.
Q: Which children receive the books?
A: Bernie’s Book Bank distributes books to at-risk children from birth to sixth grade through low-income health care programs and schools. Each child receives 12 books a year for 12 years. For a lot of these children, they have never owned books before. It is mind-blowing there are children 25 miles from Glencoe that don’t own books. Literacy is the foundation of everything in life, and to be able to empower these underserved children through books is life-changing.
Q: Why did you switch from the corporate world to the nonprofit world?
A: I’ve been a longtime volunteer at a number of nonprofits, and it was a natural switch as I wanted more of a work-life balance and an opportunity to make a difference.
Q: What stands out to you about your time in Japan?
A: The culture was such a stark contrast from anything I had ever experienced. Every element of life was completely different. It was a huge learning experience, and it gives you perspective on the world.
Q: Do you miss anything about the for-profit world?
A: No. Once you have a role that is truly meaningful, there is nothing like it.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
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