Meet Rebecca Yang! Founder of Read to Respond

A conversation between Student Ambassador Rebecca Yang and Girl Rising Community Manager Naomi Ramos

Naomi - What drove you to create Read to Respond and when did you start?

Rebecca - Read to Respond was born out of my love for reading and community service. Originally, I started it as a school club last year, where I hoped to show classmates the power of turning words into action. We have partnered with 6 local nonprofits around the area, hosted volunteer events, and most importantly, fostered discussions of change. Yet, I wanted to expand our mission and efforts further---helping those truly in need and beyond my school---leading to the birth of our international organization.

Naomi - How would you describe Read to Respond's journey from its starting point to where it is now?

Rebecca - Read to Respond started locally, with a determination to spread a love for literature and service. Although it was challenging to gather people in the beginning, we were able to build a steady base of members and monthly volunteer opportunities. But I knew I wanted to do more---and help more. I recognized the privilege I had and knew there were many out there who didn't have the same access to books, education, or English discussion. Besides helping those globally, we wanted to create a space of connection, where people can discuss their thoughts and hear numerous perspectives. As such, we launched our Online Book Meetings, to help connect learners across the world. Now, we're moving into our next project---leadership. We understand that real change starts with local community leaders, and through our Chapter Leaders program, empower our members with opportunities to lead with literacy.

Naomi - What are you most proud of having accomplished?

Rebecca - I am the most proud of reaching so many diverse groups of people across the world. Currently, we have members across 25 countries---a number that I'm excited to grow. I feel inspired to know that our programs serve so many populations and that we have an ever-increasing global impact. Besides meeting new members, our outreach demonstrates our commitment to equity; we believe the door to literacy and leadership should be open to everyone, no matter their identity or barriers they have faced.

Naomi - Who supports your endeavours in the organization?

Rebecca - The biggest supporters have been my team, specifically the Read to Respond International Board. They've been working with me from the start, helping my dream become a reality, and tirelessly advocating for our mission. In addition, I'm grateful to all the sponsors we have; the funding from organizations such as Cornell University or The Pollination Project have enabled us to grow our reach and support our learners more thoroughly. Lastly, I am deeply appreciative to the GirlRising community; their endless support to our cause and safe space for girls have inspired me to make bolder change in the world.

Naomi - How do people reach out to Read to Respond?

Rebecca - Most people reach out internationally through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp or Instagram. As we have begun promoting through global networks, I often get direct messages from those eager to contribute to our mission or share the word to someone they know. It makes me excited to know there are others out there, just as passionate as I am in our fight for literacy!