Manatee Literacy Council Welcomes David Penry as Digital Learning Navigator
Position made possible through generous support from The Barancik Foundation

BRADENTON, Fla. —9/10/26 — Manatee Literacy Council is pleased to announce that David Penry has joined its team as Digital Learning Navigator, a new role focused on working with learners to ensure they have the skills necessary to use learning platforms like SPEEXX and Ellii. He will also assist tutors when needed.

Penry first joined Manatee Literacy Council as an intern in 2024 and is excited to return to the organization in a role that brings together his interests in language, education, and technology.

Penry is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Florida. A passionate language learner himself, he has a particular interest in phonetics and the ways people learn and perceive different languages. His own language studies have taken him from Portuguese and Spanish to Thai and Khmer, and he remains eager to explore new languages and linguistic systems.

“David brings a rare combination of technical comfort and genuine curiosity about language and learning, which makes him uniquely suited to help our learners and tutors. Having watched him grow from an intern to a team member, we’re thrilled to welcome him back in this role. We’re deeply grateful to The Barancik Foundation for recognizing the importance of digital literacy in our mission and for making this position possible,” said Michelle Desveaux McLean, Executive Director of Manatee Literacy Council.

The Digital Learning Navigator position was made possible through the generous support of The Barancik Foundation, whose investment reflects a shared commitment to addressing the growing need for digital learning tools in adult literacy education in Manatee County.

About the Manatee Literacy Council

Founded in 1978, the Manatee Literacy Council empowers Manatee County residents to achieve independence through literacy. The organization provides free adult literacy, English language, workforce literacy, and tutoring services that help learners achieve greater confidence, opportunity, and independence.