Ciara Cordasco is an intrepid graphic designer capable of many mediums. She’s been helping package up the superb chapbooks from 826NYC workshops for over a year now and hasn’t looked back. When not designing she’s can be found traveling as much as possible, embroidering, and making short films with her phone. Sometimes she does all these things at the time! She’s currently looking for a new pet mouse. If you know of any mouse fanciers, please alert her.

1. How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?
Back in college I saw the The Brooklyn Superhero Suppy Co. in a design book and I was hooked. Since then I’ve visited five 826 branches and hope to add more as soon as possible! I moved to New York City in 2013 and saw a tweet from @826NYC asking for graphic design help to which I replied immediately. I am grateful they didn’t balk at my over-enthusaistic response.

2. What’s your favorite part of volunteering at 826NYC?
Definitely reading what the kids have written. It’s a refreshing perspective. They’re also inspiring because they’re tackling something new and they give it 100%. I respect that. Writing is hard. These kids knock it out of the park every time and that makes me want to get out there and do new things, too.

3. What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?
I’m either sitting behind a desk, or on plane, designing things for JetBlue. These are my main activities: designing something, traveling somewhere, sometimes embroidering, or watching Netflix.

4. What advice would you give a new volunteer?
Jump on in! You’re only going to get out of it what you put and open yourself up for. Try something new. Don’t be scared, the kids are pretty nice.

5. What are your super powers?
Short-person stealth, graphic mimicry, and falling asleep upon take-off only to wake up ten minutes later. Super-napping!