Title: Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Company: Let’s Get L.I.T.
Location: Rochester, New York, United States
Clianda A. Florence, MEd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Let’s Get L.I.T., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Family Focused Literacy.
Ms. Florence, a distinguished educator and community leader, has dedicated her career to advancing literacy and empowering families. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she is the founder and chief executive officer of Let’s Get L.I.T. (Liberating Individuals Through Liberating Texts), an organization she established in 2022 to address community needs by bridging the gap between school and home. Ms. Florence’s work with the Rochester City School District in Rochester, New York, and the parent academy, which focuses on enhancing children’s literacy development, has significantly contributed to her company’s success.
Leveraging her extensive experience in education, Ms. Florence’s professional journey began as a teacher in the Rochester City School District and Buffalo School District Charter Schools, where she honed her skills in literacy education. Her expertise was also developed during her tenure as a coordinator for the Cultural Linguistics Department at the Buffalo Central Office. These roles laid the foundation for her current position, where Ms. Florence continues to build relationships with community partners and funders to support educational initiatives.
Ms. Florence’s academic achievements have been instrumental in her success. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Bennett College in 2003, a Master of Education in elementary education and teaching from Nazareth University, completed in 2008, and a Master of Arts in educational administration from the State University of New York, Brockport, in 2020. Currently pursuing a doctorate in teaching curriculum at the University of Rochester, Ms. Florence is eager to continue advancing in her career.
In addition to her educational pursuits, Ms. Florence has made significant contributions through her civic involvement. She is a board member for Feminists Choosing Life and The Reentry & Community Development Center Inc. Her commitment to literacy is further demonstrated by her role on the executive board of the Rochester Area Literacy Council. Furthermore, Ms. Florence volunteers with the Church of Christ. Previously, she excelled as the chief executive officer of Strength 2 Say from 2018 to 2024.
Adding to her expertise, Ms. Florence’s creative endeavors include authoring “It Happened: Your Hands-Your Kiss-Your Love” and “The Essence of My Soul,” both published by Strength 2 Say in 2023. She also hosts the podcast “Let’s Get L.I.T.” on WBKX. Her podcast, which was launched in March 2023, educates listeners about the importance of literacy. Moreover, Ms. Florence has presented at various conferences, including those hosted by the School District of Philadelphia, the University at Buffalo Teaching Black History Conference and the National Literacy Conference.
Ms. Florence’s dedication has been recognized with several awards, including a New York State Senate Commendation from State Senator Jeremy Cooney, a New York State Senate Award, and a Burton S. August Sr. Award for Community Leadership. She attributes much of her accomplishments to her faith, resilience, and the support of mentors and her community.
Looking ahead, Ms. Florence envisions opening an all-boys academy that provides comprehensive support for students and their families, as well as establishing a family resource center to foster communal learning experiences. Through these initiatives, she aims to create a consortium for literacy learning that emphasizes collaboration among experts to enhance early and primary education. Ms. Florence’s unwavering commitment to literacy as a social justice issue continues to drive her efforts to make a lasting impact on her community, honoring her grandfather’s legacy while paving the way for future generations.
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