News

See where Blue Ridge Literacy is in the community with recent press coverage, events, and announcements!

July 2026

Lori Baker-Lloyd BRL Board President

BRL is happy to announce that Lori Baker-Lloyd, Senior Vice President/Administration & Corporate Secretary at National Bank, is our Board President effective July 1st.

June 2026

Dr. Frank Shushok Visits BRL

BRL's advanced and post-advanced classes had the exciting opportunity to meet Roanoke College President Frank Shushok. It was a meaningful visit filled with thoughtful conversations as learners shared their educational and professional journeys.

June 2026

BRL in Publication

We are honored to share that BRL is featured in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture's publication of "We the People: The World in Virginia."

To learn more about this publication, visit the VMHC Museum Store.

June 2026

Local Colors

BRL joined in the Local Colors Parade of Nations for the fourth year as Blue Ridge Literacy International Group, representing the countries of Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, South Korea, South Sudan, Thailand, Togo, and Uganda.

May 2026

Sara Geres Awarded

Blue Ridge Literacy's Program Director, Sara Geres, was named as one of United Way of Virginia's Blue Ridge 2026 Education Heroes.

Read and learn more about the 2026 heroes here:

https://uwvbr.org/heroes/#educationheroes

December 2025

A Message From the Executive Director

Click HERE to read a message from our Executive Director, Dr. Ahoo Salem, regarding recent federal executive actions affecting travel, Temporary Protected Status, and U.S. naturalization revisions.

October 2025

Connecting Learners with Local Leadership

BRL is excited to continue partnering with the City of Roanoke to provide advance and post-advanced learners with My City Academy, a free leadership program that helps refugees and immigrants engage in local government.

September 2025

Dr. Salem Presented With Award

Executive Director Ahoo Salem was presented with the Eva Stitt Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to supporting the mental health and wellness of refugee and immigrant families and communities.

May 2025

BRL Celebrates 40 Years!

BRL celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Grandin Theatre with a special one-hour Buzz Live episode! Mayor Joe Cobb made a proclamation declaring May 1 as Blue Ridge Literacy Day.