The Children’s Literacy Society was created and founded by Lucille Belyayev and Sofia Diggs in 2009. The founder’s purpose behind CLS creation was to provide for those who could not provide for themselves. We saw an opportunity to give back to the communities of Staten Island, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Manhattan. We never turned back. CLS’s objective is to provide funds and resources for all those historically underserved students and young adults. Our initiatives that CLS have sponsored and will continue to sponsor will focus on programs to heighten their skills in Academic education, tech support, Art education (learning, instruction, and programing visible and tangible arts), Financial education and Nutritional education. CLS prioritizes its community by investing into our children’s and young adults’ futures. By partnering with local schools and organizations we continue to “Give a Child a Chance”.

Lucille Giummo-Belyayev- Director and Founder of the Children’s Literacy Society

Lucille Belyayev has applied her degree in sociology and the opportunity to work at the infamous Willowbrook Psychiatric facility in Staten Island, NY., to foster her commitment to work with at-risk youth. She realized very early that those who have no voice or financial support will be left behind in our system. This she saw from her days at Willowbrook Psychiatric facility. Her time as a jewelry merchandiser had afforded the opportunity to travel around the world. The commitment to help those in need led her to develop products for charitable foundations for their financial needs. During her travels to foreign countries, she realized that there were so many children of the world being left behind. Lucille never gave up on her commitment to help those in need. As a single mom she knew financially she had to work. She was blessed to afford the opportunity for her son a private school education, the opportunity to play tournament tennis and to live with many young adults from foreign countries while playing tennis. This helped him understand the cultures and lifestyles of those not living in the states. Acceptance and understanding of all peoples were a very big part of his childhood. Having an amazing family to support and guide her son was a blessing. Therefore her way to give back to those who couldn’t have what she was able to give her son, she along with Sofia Diggs founded the Children’s Literacy Society. She is committed to offer support, financial aid and guidance to the youth and young adults who have no voice or guidance.

Sofia L. Diggs is the President and Founder of the Children’s Literacy Society, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children through access to educational resources and literacy programs. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Empire State College, Sofia combines her educational background with a deep passion for community service and philanthropy.

Sofia's professional journey is marked by a notable tenure as the manager of Wu-Tang Production, where she spent 10 years handling operations for 14 companies and serving as the assistant to Mitchell "Divine" Diggs. This role provided her with extensive experience in business management and strategic planning, which she has seamlessly integrated into her philanthropic endeavors.

Her commitment to community service is long-standing. Sofia has been a board member for the Wu-Tang Foundation from 1996 to 2002, contributing to various initiatives such as block parties to raise funds, Thanksgiving events providing free turkeys to families in need, and organizing family day events. Additionally, she played a key role in donating a computer room to a New York City elementary school, highlighting her focus on education and technology for youth.

Sofia's dedication extends to her volunteer work with the Agency for Children’s Services of the City of New York, where she helped host Family United Day in Central Park. This program celebrated the reunification of children and parents separated by drug abuse, advocating for family resilience and recovery.

Born and raised in Brooklyn as the eldest of eleven siblings, Sofia later moved to Staten Island with her family. Her upbringing instilled in her a sense of responsibility and a drive to support others, both financially and emotionally. These early life experiences have fueled her passion for volunteerism and community support, seeing firsthand the impact of such efforts on individuals and families.

In her current role at the Children’s Literacy Society, Sofia continues to lead initiatives that foster educational growth and literacy among children. She remains actively involved in community projects and fundraisers, constantly seeking ways to give back and uplift those around her. Currently, she serves in a professional capacity with the Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement office in the City of New York, where she continues to advocate for vulnerable populations and support families in need.

Sofia L. Diggs embodies dedication, leadership, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Her career and philanthropic efforts are a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of education and community service.