We were lucky to catch up with Cyndy Ratliff recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cyndy, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Taking Over the Program – Cyndy Ratliff

July 2013, I began work as the program coordinator for ReadWest. I thought it would be a great place to work while going to school. While at ReadWest, I quickly realized I had many ideas for updating the program. As the ideas kept flowing, I knew I had to get busy. Honestly, I didn’t think I would work for ReadWest for a long period of time. I started with forms that needed to be updated, then intake processes, and testing. I couldn’t get the library out of my head either. The next four years saw me: helping students and tutors, fixing the roof, installing a tutoring room & ADA bathroom stall, watching a racoon fall through the ceiling of our old building and later move the program to a new site.

In 2017, I began the task of updating the library, beginning with researching the many different library systems available. After choosing Resource Mate, the real work began. Next was designing ReadWest’s own dewy system and with the help of many volunteers, we bar coded, Dewey Decimal tagged and reorganized the library. The card catalog system was retired.

Before 2021, all one-to-one tutoring, classes, orientations, and training were done in-person only. During the pandemic shutdown, I developed an online tutor training that later, we converted into a hybrid training for our volunteer tutors. Next an online orientation, hybrid tutoring, and hybrid assessments were implemented.

September 2021, I became the executive director. Soon after, we partnered with Amazing Grace Personal Services and they agreed to friend-rate our unit when they purchased their new building on Barbara Loop SE in Rio Rancho, NM. Since being in our new facility, the ReadWest team has helped over 500 students with speaking, reading, writing, computer literacy, financial literacy, high school equivalency preparation, and so much more.

2024, I began updating the website with the help of Authentic Web Solutions to include rebranding to ReadWest Adult Literacy Center with a clearer visual path and resources. Our IT guy, Jim, has helped me learn so much about hardware, software, and security. Now in 2025, I’ve learned without an open mind and willingness to fall on my face, I would have missed the best prize I ever got, by watching my students succeed and grow.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was introduce to ReadWest Adult Literacy through a friend at Central New Mexico Community College. I was tutoring English as a Second Language and helping classmates with Language Arts homework. I went to college later in life and quickly realized I wasn’t alone. I found many students in their 40’s attending college and I learned some students were reading at a much lower level than I had expected. Some students were taking English classes while learning English. I wanted to help, so between classes some students and myself met in the library for tutoring. It was such an amazing feeling to be able to help someone and I was learning quicker as well by mentoring. Win, win.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of clients for us is word of mouth and social media. Our students invite their friends and family to attend and our volunteer tutors help spread the word. They’re awesome!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Create a culture where staff and volunteers feel valued, heard, and connected to your mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.readwest.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readwestinc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyndy.ratliff21/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/readwest-inc-8b404684/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ReadWestInc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=readwest+adult+literacy