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| Michelle Malonzo | |
Michelle Malonzo, most recently a buyer at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, Ariz., and current member of the American Booksellers Association board of directors, has joined the nonprofit The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary as its head of operations.
Founded in 2018, The Word aims to build a more inclusive and diverse publishing community. Its initiatives include the Editor-Writer Mentorship, the [margins.] Conference + Literary Festival, the #MarginsBookstores Month and the Duende-Word BIPOC Bookseller Award. Malonzo will oversee those existing efforts as well as the organization's financial and fund-raising operations.
"The Word does important work for marginalized readers, writers and industry professionals," said Malonzo. She was the recipient of last year's BIPOC Bookseller Award and is on the ABA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Prior to joining Changing Hands, she worked at Penguin Random House for close to 10 years. "I have benefited from their programs and being in their spaces. I'm honored to join the team and continue to uplift and celebrate the authors and stories that allow all of us to see ourselves with possibility."
Viniyanka Prasad, executive director and founder of The Word, said: "It has been astonishing to realize the innovations of our small Word staff and beloved partners over the past four years, building new supports for marginalized communities in spaces where none previously existed. We are incredibly lucky to bring Michelle’s insights to our team and to gain her partnership in solidifying a strong base to deepen and expand The Word’s programs."
This month The Word also brought on two new board members: Jenna Nishimura, a writer and nonprofit professional from Colorado, and Deidre Dumpson, currently a retail and library client success manager at Edelweiss and former bookseller. The organization also received a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts' American Rescue Plan.