Worldreader Welcomes New Leadership to Advance Global Reading Efforts
SEATTLE, WA, March 7, 2025
Worldreader, the award-winning tech nonprofit announces the appointments of Rachel Klausner as the new Chair of the US Board and Bill Carr as a US Board Member. Their leadership comes at a pivotal moment as Worldreader continues to innovate and expand its reach, leveraging cutting-edge technology, including AI, to help families build strong reading habits and ensure children are school-ready.
Today, 64% of ten-year-olds worldwide cannot read a simple story (UNICEF, 2022). Yet early reading is critical. Research shows that children who are read to from birth develop stronger language skills, and those who are read to three to five days a week at age five score higher on assessments, with effects lasting until at least age 10 (Kalb & Van Ours, 2014). Worldreader is tackling the learning crisis by leveraging innovative technology to build family reading routines from an early age. Our BookSmart app and digital solutions provide children, especially those aged 0-5, and their families with the stories and support they need to thrive.
“We are delighted to welcome Rachel and Bill to their new leadership roles,” said Rebecca Chandler Leege, CEO of Worldreader. “Their deep expertise in digital innovation and strategic growth will be instrumental in driving our mission forward as we embark on our new chapter.”
Klausner brings over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, program design, and organizational effectiveness. She began her career with nonprofits at the Gates Center for Technology Access, later renamed the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she managed the development of the Global Health five-year strategic plan. She is a partner of the Board of Theatre Aspen and Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund. Klausner says her passion for family literacy aligns with Worldreader’s mission, “Literacy provides a strong foundation for learning and brings families together.Children exposed to books and reading early on develop stronger language skills, which are essential for success in school and beyond.”
Carr brings over 15 years of experience from Amazon, where he served as Vice President of Digital Media, leading the development of Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Amazon Studios. Now a coach to executives and growth-stage companies, Carr sees Worldreader as uniquely positioned to harness technology to end learning poverty. “Worldreader has already made an incredible impact and can continue to do so as one of the only scalable, technology-based solutions improving literacy, education, and inequality,” he explained.
About Worldreader
Worldreader is a global tech nonprofit dedicated to unlocking children’s potential through the power of reading, with a special focus on helping children aged 0-5 become school-ready. By providing family-centered reading experiences and leveraging their innovative BookSmart digital technology, they empower parents and caregivers to foster early literacy and ignite a lifelong love of learning. Since 2010, they have reached over 22 million readers across more than 100 countries, ensuring the youngest learners have the tools they need to succeed. Worldreader nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a passion for reading, equipping children with a strong foundation to explore, learn, and thrive in school and beyond.
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