Stormie Drake

READ Ottawa
Emerging Leader

Stormie Drake, Executive Director of READ Ottawa, has dedicated her career to creating equitable, quality education for all. Since 2021, Stormie has expanded READ Ottawa’s one-on-one adult tutoring program from Northwest Ottawa County to serve the whole of Ottawa County; more than doubled annual revenue; and served more clients and volunteers than ever. Stormie serves on the leadership team of the early childhood department of the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency, in addition to volunteering for other areas of passion including immigration rights, building equitable communities, animal welfare and the giving circle Women of Color Give.

Stormie, who spends her extra time caring for her five special needs pets, says, “It takes a great deal of courage to stand up for others who may not be able to stand up for themselves. A strong leader’s purpose is not to uplift themselves as a leader, but to uplift everyone else around them to reach their goals.”