The 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB), held on April 26–27 at the University of Southern California (USC), was a significant cultural event that brought together a diverse array of participants and marked its 30th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community. The festival is known for attracting a large crowd each year. For instance, the 2024 festival drew over 150,000 attendees, and the 2025 event featured more than 550 writers, experts, and storytellers, along with hundreds of exhibitors.
The festival featured over 100 ticketed author events, children’s storytelling sessions, poetry readings, book signings, and more than 400 exhibitor booths. Notable participants in the 2025 festival included authors such as Stacey Abrams, Jon M. Chu, Amanda Gorman, Chelsea Handler, Ibram X. Kendi, and Rebecca Yarros, among many others. The festival’s success was also attributed to the generous involvement of volunteers who assisted with various aspects of the event, including welcoming attendees, staffing author events, and supervising book signings.
LATFOB 2025 emphasized accessibility and community involvement. General admission was free, with select programming requiring tickets. The festival’s partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs ensured that a wide range of activities were available to attendees of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a welcoming environment for literary enthusiasts and families alike.
As LATFOB celebrates three decades of literary celebration, the 2025 festival underscored the importance of storytelling in shaping culture and community. With its diverse programming and commitment to accessibility, the festival continues to be a premier event for book lovers and cultural aficionados. The success of this year’s event sets a promising precedent for future festivals, ensuring that the tradition of literary celebration will continue to thrive in Los Angeles.
LATFOB 2025 offers a unique opportunity to explore new voices, groundbreaking ideas, and thought-provoking works of art. One of this year’s most anticipated entries is Leading to Change the World by Leslye Renee Kornegay, EdD, showcased in the Book Gallery. This compelling narrative chronicles her transformative journey from housekeeper to director, culminating in earning a Doctorate in Education.
In this book, Dr. Kornegay delves into her personal and professional experiences as an African American woman navigating leadership roles within predominantly white institutions (PWIs). She employs the Scholarly Personal Narrative (SPN) methodology—specifically the Epistolary Scholarly Personal Narrative (ESPN)—to intertwine her story with broader themes of race, gender, and resilience.
Leslye Renee Kornegay, EdD, is a leader in university facilities management, currently serving as Executive Director of University Facilities (UEVS) at Duke University. With over 35 years of experience, she has not only risen through the ranks but also mentored and guided others along the way.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kornegay is a passionate advocate for Black women in leadership, using her story to inspire change and create spaces where underrepresented voices are heard and valued. Her work serves as a foundation for future leaders ready to challenge the status quo.
Dr. Kornegay emphasizes the importance of resilience in leadership, sharing how she overcame systemic barriers and personal challenges throughout her career. The book underscores the need to amplify Black women’s voices in professional spaces, particularly in leadership roles within PWIs. Drawing on her experiences in the South, Dr. Kornegay reflects on the evolving platforms that now allow Black women to share their stories and challenges more openly.
The narrative is a deeply personal and analytical exploration of Dr. Kornegay’s ascent in academia and facilities management. Through candid storytelling and academic insight, she highlights the struggles and triumphs of being a Black woman leader in spaces where diversity often remains an afterthought.
From her early days as a housekeeper to navigating the complexities of leadership at major institutions, Dr. Kornegay offers readers a first-hand look at the strategies, lessons, and resilience required to break through systemic barriers. This book serves as both a memoir and a playbook for women—and anyone—seeking to carve their own path in industries not originally designed for them.
Dr. Kornegay wrote this book as a foundational resource for Black women aspiring to leadership roles. While the primary focus is on those in PWIs, the book provides valuable insights for anyone working with or supporting Black women in professional settings.
Leading to Change the World is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of representation, and the impact of leadership grounded in authenticity and resilience.
Visit the ARPress official social media accounts for more updates.
- https://authorreputationpress.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/authorreputationpress/
- https://www.pinterest.com/arpressllcseo/
- https://twitter.com/ARPressLLC
- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReputationPressLLC
- https://www.tiktok.com/@authorreputationpress
- https://www.youtube.com/@AUTHORREPUTATIONPRESSLLC
