Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Ambili Kumar
Allison Ambili, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Allison! I use she/her pronouns and live here in LA. I work in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in the film industry and run a Bookstagram account (@laloverofbooks) where I share diverse romances and entertainment reads. I also host monthly book lover gatherings (upcoming events include a Hollywood Book Crawl, a volunteer meetup at LA Times Festival of Books, and a Beach Book Swap).
I fell back in love with storytelling during a really difficult season of life (pandemic; caretaking for a sick parent). I found comfort, hope and joy in books and films that was hard for me to find in reality at the time. In 2020, I was finishing my master’s degree, working full-time for a university in the South, and preparing to move to the Midwest to support family. As I watched my dearest love one navigate a terminal illness through 2022, I couldn’t help but think about regrets I didn’t want to have at the end of my life. To align my life with my loves (including storytelling and being near water), I moved across the country with nothing that couldn’t fit in my car…and I’ve now called LA home for over two years!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth, but it’s without a doubt been worthwhile! I moved to LA without any concrete plans (no lined up job; no long-term housing). In many ways I was starting all over as I entered a new industry, built relationships from scratch, and got acclimated to a brand new environment. I’m immensely grateful for how it’s unfolded so far, but even if things had worked out differently, there’s something to be said solely for the trying. For having faith to start all over—whatever that looks like for you.
I’m very proud of the community-oriented nature of @laloverofbooks. It is deeply meaningful to be in relationship with authors and readers (particularly, authors and readers of color) whether those spaces are online, in-person, or a bit of both. This was most felt in-person at our LA Book Lovers Book Donation Drive where over 60 readers showed up and donated over 2,200 books to those impacted by the wildfires.
I am actively trying to educate myself on areas like content creation and growth strategy in order to expand the impact of my account. I primarily share BIPOC and Indie authors and I’d love for these storytellers to be on more and more readers’ radars! I am also aiming for more collaboration with local bookstores, publishers, and beyond—all of which often require a certain follower count that I am not (yet!) near.
Even if an event doesn’t turn out as I’d planned or a post doesn’t get the engagement I’d hoped, there is something satisfying (and vulnerable!) about articulating your why and being consistent in posting and programming in these areas. As one of my favorite phrases goes, “What comes from the heart, goes to the heart.” I return to this as a sort of compass—when investing time and energy in planning an event or creating a reel, post, or review, I aim to only do so from a place of true joy and love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As Senior Manager of Representation, Inclusion, & Equity at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, I support Employee Resource Groups, develop internal training programs, and oversee diversity data tracking projects. I also play a key role in ensuring the Academy’s events—including the Oscars—are inclusive and accessible.
As the creator of @laloverofbooks, a platform dedicated to highlighting diverse romances and entertainment reads, I aim to foster inclusive literary spaces whether in-person or online. My love of literature and community comes through in my organization of monthly events centered on building relationships among readers and writers in the area (past events include a Galentine’s Book Swap and Culver City Book Crawl). These combined loves are also reflected in my collaborative, celebratory social media content (including interviews with readers, authors, and booksellers I adore and a spotlight on South Asian Bookstagrammers).
Additionally, I serve on the Programming Task Force for the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE), supporting events that uplift Asian and Pacific Islander voices in media. My work in these spaces—whether through literature, film, or community organizing—center around amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering spaces of belonging. I’m eager and excited to continue making an impact in the literary and entertainment communities!
I’m writing my first book right now which is the start of a romance series set in the Golden Age of Hollywood in the United States and India—think multicultural romances, award seasons, and more!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
In my time with colleges and universities (whether as a student, grad student, and/or staff member), I had the good fortune of learning from leaders with an abundance of expertise and empathy. A few former supervisors I was lucky to learn with and from include: Gabby, Caitlin, Elle, and Matt. Each of them gave encouragement, advocacy, and patience freely—all traits I aim to extend in the places and relationships I inhabit.
I’m most grateful for the people who have made LA feel like home to me in such a short amount of time including my good friends Margaret, Indu, and Devanshi who are the kindest, loveliest humans who it’s a joy and honor to be in community with.
Lastly, I appreciate my fellow book lovers/friends/cheerleaders in LA who celebrate and champion diverse stories and storytellers including @kaleiahskyy @lifewith_vg @this_shouldbeamovie1 <3
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laloverofbooks/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-kumar/
