INKfounder
Gianna Grass - Founder
What INKspires Me?
I have been passionate about reading for as long as I can remember, often reaching for books instead of other toys when I was a child. I was always drawn to stories, losing myself in picture books, and "reading" to my dolls and stuffed animals long before I could actually read! That love only grew in elementary and middle school, where I discovered the power of storytelling—not only as a reader, but as a writer. I published my first children’s book, Turtle Tidings…My Life Under the Shell, a book I had written after a 6th grade trip to Catalina. Through this process, I realized how writing could build confidence, spark creativity, and give young voices a place to be heard. From there INKspired was born.
As a student in the Law Program at JSerra High School, I've combined my love for policy and advocacy, with education. And as a Fellow at the Institute for Youth in Policy I researched and presented a policy brief addressing legal frameworks and strategies to combat literacy gaps in underserved communities.
Through INKspired, I hope to give kids the same joy and empowerment that books and writing has given me. By creating programs where young writers can develop their skills and even publish their own stories, I am working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover the magic of storytelling.
"Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else."
— C.S. Lewis
Who INKspires Me?
A huge influence and inspiration for INKspired comes from my late uncle, Augie Garrido, the legendary baseball coach and former all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division 1 history. While Augie was renowned for developing exceptional players, he was equally committed to shaping strong leaders, and good people. He was a fierce advocate for education and community service, and demonstrated this through his work with The Neighborhood Longhorns Program, where he launched the Augie's Grand Slam Reading Program, an initiative designed to improve literacy and inspire young people to embrace the power of education. I hope to honor his legacy by making an impact, not on the field, but in classrooms and community centers, empowering kids through reading, writing, and literacy initiatives.
“My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.”
- Ernest Hemingway
WHY THE BUTTERFLY?
Gianna and Augie enjoyed a powerful connection through their shared love of the butterfly, a symbol of transformation and growth. The butterfly represents resilience, change, and the beauty that comes from overcoming challenges, values that both Gianna and Augie embody in their work and passions.
Through INKspired, Gianna honors her uncle's legacy and his commitment to education and transformation. Just as Augie empowered his players and the communities he served, Gianna aims to provide children with the tools they need to succeed, nurturing their creativity and helping them spread their wings like butterflies...helping transform their futures,
ONE STORY AT A TIME.