“Reading is the gateway to success.” - Ali Everett, Mrs. Nevada International 2024

Empowering Dreams Through Literacy: The Read to Lead Initiative with Makea Macaluso

In the heart of Las Vegas, Makea Macaluso, a proud Togo’s franchise owner, stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and community dedication. Her journey, deeply influenced by her grandmother’s relentless encouragement and multifaceted business ventures, showcases the power of perseverance and vision. Today, Makea’s ultimate dream is to grow her local Togo’s franchise into a cornerstone of the community, providing job opportunities and consistently high-quality sandwiches and service.

Makea’s ambitions extend far beyond her thriving business. As a mother of two young children and a passionate advocate for education, she is committed to inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams. This commitment is vividly illustrated through her involvement in the READ TO LEAD initiative.

The READ TO LEAD Initiative

The READ TO LEAD initiative was founded by Ali Everett - Mrs. Nevada International 2024. It is centered around expanding literacy to our youth, creating opportunities, and cultivating leaders. The RTL Initiative is simple and effective. We support the advancement of our future generations through literacy and shine a light on the achievements of present-day business leaders. Together, we can cultivate a scenario where everyone wins, boosting brand awareness and actively participating in resolving the global literacy crisis. 

Makea made a generous contribution to this great cause by sponsoring a bundle of brand new books that were given to the children who attend Meaningful Outcomes. This kind hearted act was celebrated with a special event where Mrs. Nevada International, Ali Everett, along with her sons Luscian and Xander, read to the classroom during snack time, creating a memorable and enriching experience for the children.

At the end of the reading session, the children received their very own book, a "READ TO LEAD" sticker, and a flyer about Makea Macaluso and her entrepreneurial adventures. Additionally, they were given a voucher for a free kids meal on their next visit to Togo’s.

The Power of Ownership

Owning a book is a powerful experience for a child. When a child calls a book their own, it creates a personal connection and develops a sense of responsibility and pride. Unlike borrowing from a library, having a book to keep allows a child to revisit favorite stories anytime, sparking a lifelong love of reading. This constant access helps improve literacy skills, encourages independent learning, and nurtures a child's imagination.

Why This Matters

Books are more than just stories—they're gateways to knowledge, creativity, and opportunities. By providing children with their own books, we're giving them the tools to improve their reading skills, expand their horizons, and build confidence. The joy and sense of ownership that come with having their own books are unmatched and essential for their educational growth.

About Meaningful Outcomes: 

Meaningful Outcomes provides therapy services supporting autistic children and their families in Las Vegas. They prioritize a family-centered treatment model that is integral to the success of their learners. 

The organization’s mission is to offer compassionate care and create a safe space for building trusting relationships. Their focus on education and hands-on experience ensures they provide top-notch services, continuously seeking educational opportunities to enhance their methods. This commitment to compassionate care and empowerment drives their everyday practice, aiming to help learners achieve meaningful outcomes.

Programs at Meaningful Outcomes

• Comprehensive ABA Program: An intensive treatment model focusing on improving socially significant behaviors across developmental domains.

• Focused ABA Program: Targets a narrow set of skills or behaviors, with progress achieved through consistent collaboration between the family and ABA team.

• Early Intervention: Begins before age 4, focusing on language development, communication, play, and social skills.

• Functional Life Skills Program: Geared towards teens and young adults, focusing on individualized needs such as social skills, independence, communication, and vocational skills.

• Skills Based Treatment (SBT): Designed for learners with severe problem behavior, emphasizing communication, toleration, cooperation, safety, and building trusting relationships.

To learn more about Meaningful Outcomes and their programs, contact them at (702) 990-0326.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you, Makea Macaluso and Togo’s, for your amazing commitment to literacy and for being an integral part of the solution to the global literacy crisis. Your story is a testament to the power of encouragement, the importance of education, and the limitless potential that lies within every child. Your efforts are not just shaping a business, but also inspiring a community to read, to dream, and to lead. 

Togos.com
702-485-4424
6435 S Rainbow Blvd Ste 103
Las Vegas, NV 89118