Lisa Lucas is the Executive Director of the National Book Foundation and is the first woman and African-American to lead the non-profit foundation that hands out the prestigious National Book Awards. Since 1950, the awards have honored some of the greatest writers in American history: William Faulkner, Ralph Ellison and Susan Sontag, among others. Prior to joining the Foundation, Lucas served as the Publisher of Guernica, a non-profit online magazine focusing on writing that explores the intersection of art and politics with an international and diverse focus and as Director of Education at the Tribeca Film Institute. Lucas also serves on the literary council of the Brooklyn Book Festival. Find her on Twitter at @likaluca.

Presentation (2/22)
The Real Life of the American Reader: There is no one American dream, no singular American narrative. At a time where Americans are examining not only their country but their place within it, how can the most reluctant and remote of us learn more about ourselves and our neighbors though books?

Workshop (2/23)
Off the Page and to the People: A discussion on in's and outs of publishing, how to build literary community, and the responsibilities of writers, readers, and publishers to expanding the landscapes of literature.