About Us

A Million Smiles Outreach: Spreading Joy Through Books

A Million Smiles Outreach is a community-driven initiative dedicated to fostering literacy, connection, and joy in neighborhoods across Houston and the surrounding areas. In partnership with Little Free Library, our mission is to ensure that every child—regardless of background or location—has access to free, high-quality books right in their own community.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. Their mission aligns perfectly with the heart of A Million Smiles Outreach: To bring Little Free Libraries to neighborhoods across Houston and surrounding areas ensuring that every child has access to free books, no matter where they live.

Bringing Little Free Libraries to underserved and diverse communities not only increases access to reading materials, but it also cultivates a culture of sharing, learning, and imagination. Studies show that children who grow up with books in their homes are more likely to develop strong reading skills, succeed in school, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Through this initiative, we aim to close the literacy gap and empower every child to smile with confidence, knowing that stories, knowledge, and opportunity are right at their fingertips.

Together, A Million Smiles Outreach and Little Free Library are planting seeds of literacy, one book and one smile at a time.
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About Our Founder
Vianney Cortez is a proud Houstonian, a professional model, pageant titleholder, and a passionate advocate for children’s literacy. As the eldest of three siblings and the daughter of two law enforcement officers, Vianney was raised with strong values of discipline, integrity, and community service.
Driven by a deep love for storytelling and public engagement, Vianney plans to further her education in Communications with a focus on Television Journalism. Her goal is to inspire others through both media and meaningful outreach.
Vianney is the founder of A Million Smiles Outreach, a nonprofit initiative born from her personal journey with dyslexia and a lifelong commitment to community empowerment. Through a partnership with the Little Free Library organization, A Million Smiles Outreach works to build community-based book-sharing boxes that provide free access to quality children's literature, especially in underserved neighborhoods across the Greater Houston area.
Vianney’s mission is to motivate and uplift young people by creating platforms for growth, education, and positive change. She believes that books can open doors, build confidence, and empower the next generation of dreamers and leaders.
If you would like to request a Little Free Library for your neighborhood, school, or community—or if you're interested in supporting this initiative through sponsorship or book donations—please reach out using the contact information below.

Vianney's Philosophy

I believe that true leadership begins with service, and that even the smallest acts of kindness—like placing a book in a child’s hand—can spark a lifetime of possibility. My life’s work is rooted in the belief that literacy is not a privilege, but a right, and that every child deserves access to the tools that unlock their potential.

Growing up with dyslexia, I learned that challenges are not roadblocks—they are opportunities to rise, to grow, and to uplift others who may walk a similar path. Through A Million Smiles Outreach, I aim to create spaces where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to dream beyond their circumstances.
I strive to live with purpose, lead with empathy, and give with intention.

Whether I’m on stage, on camera, or in the heart of the community, I carry this simple belief with me: when we empower one child, we impact generations.

Get in Touch

Give us a call or send us a message using the form below.