As Books from Birth Program Manager, Wilmarie manages the development, implementation, and expansion of early literacy initiatives across North Carolina and beyond. A seasoned leader within the organization, Wilmarie serves as a primary point of contact for a diverse portfolio of partners, facilitating communities of practice and offering strategic technical assistance to ensure program fidelity. She is a key driver of the program’s outreach, cultivating partnerships with pediatric healthcare systems and community sites to nurture early language development from a baby’s earliest days.

Wilmarie’s work is deeply informed by her history as a former Book Babies parent, giving her a unique perspective on the organization's impact. Since joining the team in 2019, she has held various leadership roles, including coordinating Pre-K and kindergarten transition programs and developing the "Ready for School" guide, which is now a vital tool for families and childcare professionals across the state.

Wilmarie began her professional career as a kindergarten teacher following leadership roles at AmeriCorps and Jumpstart. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and African-American History from Fordham University and a Master of Arts from the Relay Graduate School of Education. Her blend of classroom expertise and system-level coordination ensures that literacy resources are delivered equitably to families navigating the bridge to formal education.