Emily Moberly was teaching high school English in Honduras when she first realized that not all children grow up with access to books or a love for reading. By helping her students discover the joy of reading, Emily realized her own passion for empowering young people through books. In 2010, she started Traveling Stories, a nonprofit that helps children build confidence and strong reading skills by the 4th grade. Emily has a degree in Journalism from John Brown University and a certificate in African Studies and Community Development from Uganda Christian University. She is the author of the bilingual children’s book, “Watch Out for Mr. B.” For fun, Emily enjoys hanging out with her two daughters and four cats!
Under Emily’s leadership, Traveling Stories has impacted thousands of children locally and globally. During COVID-19, she quickly pivoted to an online model and effectively executed the steps needed to build and test both the Reading Raffe App and the Virtual StoryTent within eight months. With over 13 years of nonprofit experience, Emily is an effective leader, strong communicator, and compelling advocate.
About Emily Moberly
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My daughters, Kaylah and Scarlett, and our four cats! My parents live in San Diego and are also a big part of our family!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m currently the Founder/CEO of Traveling Stories. My favorite part of what I do is getting to know our readers and volunteers. I love hearing their stories and finding out how books have played a role in their life.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Go for it!! Don’t let fears stop you from pursuing a dream. Most of us don’t know what we’re doing anyway.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully telling more stories and spending more time with my family!
Emily Moberly & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
City Tacos, Addis Ethiopian Restaurant, Mujeres Brewhouse, Parks & Rec, Cafeina Cafe
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Forever! I was born and raised in San Diego! I left for college and then a job in Honduras, but then I returned. San Diego is special!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Kevin Eastman – the co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He’s so humble. kind and creative.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our fresh, salty air! When I get home from traveling, I feel like the air here is just different: it feels fresher and lighter!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Matt de la Pena, the children’s book author. Probably lunch at Caroline’s Seaside Cafe.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Grace and Frankie
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m super shy and very introverted.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The San Diego Zoo!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughters.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Traveling Stories, Angels Foster Agency, Friends of Cats, Faithwalking, Gabriels Promise, Compassion It, Reading Partners, First Book
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Southeast San Diego
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The diversity! We have so many different cultures represented just within my block.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Coffee at Cafeina Cafe, a stop at Warwick’s for a new book, and then a day at the beach!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, cozy, and lots of books!
