“Read today, lead tomorrow.” This was a favourite saying of Dindin Villarino, more affectionately referred to as Auntie by myself, Tootie by my brother, and as a troublemaker by various friends and family. Our family established the Dindin Villarino Fund to honour her passions of supporting women, youth, and newcomers, and their love for creative writing and literary expression. We hope that through the Fund, we continue her story and as a result, imbue others with the strength and opportunity to tell their own.
By Katrina Valles with support from Todd Barr