READefining Futures: Read, Write, Rise
Hi there, my name is Cyra Aggarwal. I’m a 15-year-old writer, book blogger, and passionate advocate for literacy and youth empowerment!
As the founder of The Literary Vault, I have encountered countless people who are as passionate about literacy as I am. But over time, I began asking myself: what if stories could go beyond inspiring people online? What if storytelling could become action? That question is what led me to create READefining Futures, an initiative under The Literary Vault’s umbrella that’s all about using stories to empower youth voices and expand access to books that spark change.
My Passion for Books:
Books have always been more than just paper and ink to me. They’ve been my escape routes when life felt overwhelming, my windows into different lives, and my anchors during uncertain times.
From the time I was little, I turned to storytelling to make sense of the world. Writing gave me courage. Reading gave me perspective.
But as I grew older, I realized something: not every child has access to the books and resources that helped me find my own voice. And not every child feels like their story matters.
That realization is what inspired me to start READefining Futures.
My Mission – Read, Write, Rise.
READefining Futures combines everything I love—storytelling, supporting those in need, and amplifying youth voices—and blends it into one mission: to empower underrepresented youth by increasing access to inspiring books and creating platforms for their stories to be heard.
My motto is Read, Write, Rise.
📚 Read – I organize book donation drives and curate diverse titles for kids and teens in underserved communities. Every book is chosen with care to reflect different voices and perspectives, so children see both mirrors of themselves and windows into the wider world. For some of these kids, it’s the very first time they’ve owned a book of their own.
📝 Write – Through Voices of the Vault, I invite young people to submit their original writing, poems, short stories, essays, anything that gives them a voice. Their work is then published on a digital platform where it can be celebrated, shared, and recognized. For so many youth, seeing their name and words published is a powerful confidence boost, showing them that their voice truly matters. Every month, I will choose one Literary Luminary, one distinct publication that stood out among all the others, and then they will get featured on my social media and a separate page.
🚀 Rise – Our newest addition is the READefining Futures Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are young leaders who represent this initiative in their schools and communities. They run local book drives, encourage peers to submit to Voices of the Vault, and spread the message that literacy is power. By starting chapters of READefining Futures, these ambassadors ensure the impact grows far beyond what I can do alone.
This combination of reading, writing, and leadership creates a cycle of empowerment: books inspire stories, stories inspire confidence, and confidence inspires change.
The Why – The Need with Stats
So why does this matter so much? Because right now, too many children don’t get the chance to experience the power of stories.
- Forty-five percent of US children live in neighborhoods that lack literacy institutions.
- 1 in 4 children in the U.S. grows up without learning how to read.
- According to the US Department of Education, up to 61 percent of low-income families do not have any books for their kids at home.
- In middle-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1; in lower-income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.
Those aren’t just numbers. They represent real kids, kids with dreams, talents, and voices, who may never discover their potential without support.
And I believe we can change that.
My solution:
And I’m doing this through four core solutions:
First — the Ambassador Program.
READefining Futures Ambassadors are young changemakers who start local chapters in their schools or communities. They lead book drives, organize creative writing workshops, and help us grow a global network of youth empowering youth. It’s about showing students that they don’t have to wait until they’re adults to make a difference—they can redefine futures now.
Second — Voices of the Vault & Literary Luminaries.
This is our digital library where youth-authored stories are published and celebrated. These stories—whether poems, essays, or personal reflections—become part of a global anthology-in-progress. It’s about giving young writers a stage, reminding them that their words matter, and building a community where creativity fuels confidence.
Third — Book Drives and Access.
Through READefining Futures, I organize donation campaigns to get diverse, inspiring titles into the hands of kids who need them most. Every book donated is a spark of imagination, empathy, and possibility. Because sometimes, just one story is enough to change the course of a life.
And finally — Mentorship and Author Keynotes.
I personally mentor children to help improve their English skills through reading, conversation, and creative expression. And I bring in keynote speakers, authors, and published writers—to share their journeys and inspire youth through virtual sessions. Hearing firsthand from someone who once sat where they are can be a powerful reminder: your story matters, too.
Every step is about one thing: making sure youth voices are heard and their potential is unlocked.
Call to Action:
This is why I’m so excited to be here today. With your support, we can expand the impact of READefining Futures.
Together, we can:
- Collect and showcase writing submissions from youth in your community.
- Strengthen mentorship and English language support for children who need it.
- Scale book drives so every child can hold stories that inspire them.
- And grow the Ambassador Program so more students become literacy leaders in their communities.
When we do this, we don’t just promote reading; we nurture leaders, we build empathy, and we help young people rise. Please reach out to me if you would like to help me unlock the power of words.
At the heart of READefining Futures is one belief which is: we all have a pen, let’s now harness it’s power
