“Changemakers” highlights the people of Prince William who are making a difference in our community. This month, we feature writer, speaker and children’s show host Carylee Carrington.
Carylee has been writing from a young age, penning poetry, drama shorts and plays. She aims to inspire children to embrace their differences and to respect the differences of others in order to create a kinder future. An arts advocate, Carylee hosts “The Read with Carylee Show,” which features local authors and is filmed in front of a live audience at Jirani Coffeehouse in Manassas.
How long have you lived in the Prince William area, and what do you most like about living here?
I have lived in Prince William for eight years. I love the area’s diversity. It is a great place to raise my children. I also love that there are so many things to do and learn about the history of the community.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the area and why?
I love to visit downtown Manassas and soak up the different cultures and activities represented there.
How have you been involved in the community?
I am a board member on the Prince William Arts Council. I am active with the nonprofit Carried to Full Term in Haymarket, and, as a children’s author, I go to schools speaking to students about the importance of embracing differences and being kind. I am also very active in my local church, Chapel Springs Assembly of God.
If you had to give advice to someone new to the area, what would you tell them and why?
Explore! There are so many things to do and ways to get involved in the community. D.C. is very close, but there is no real need for me to have to go all the way there to find great things to do.
How would you describe yourself in three sentences?
Woman on the rise, Carylee Carrington is a mother of two boys and author aimed at making a difference in the lives of children through her books. Stumbling into the world of children’s writing, Carylee’s message of being kind and embracing differences resonates with people of all ages.
