Ariel Kalil and Mar Gonzalez-Franco bring expertise in family engagement and human-centered innovation as BookSmart pursues goal to reach 1 million families by 2030
Seattle, Washington – November 18, 2025 – Worldreader, a global nonprofit getting families reading through its free BookSmart app, today announced the appointment of Dr. Ariel Kalil, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, and Dr. Mar Gonzalez-Franco, Neuroscientist and Computer Scientist at Google,to its U.S. Board of Directors.
Dr. Kalil directs the Center for Human Potential and Public Policy and co-directs the Behavioral Insights in Parenting Lab. An expert in using behavioral economics to influence parenting behavior, she currently advises Worldreader’s behavioral science research in South Africa.
“Engaging families in their children’s learning during the early years creates a foundation that shapes lifelong outcomes,” said Dr. Kalil. “BookSmart puts books directly into families’ hands with tools that empower parents—exactly the scalable, evidence-based intervention that can transform trajectories for children in challenging circumstances.”
Dr. Gonzalez-Franco leads Google’s Blended Intelligence Research and Devices Lab, developing next-generation immersive technologies. With expertise spanning AI, machine learning, VR/AR, and human perception, she brings a unique perspective on technology’s potential to serve humanity.
“Stories are fundamental to how we build our understanding of the world and imagine our futures,” said Dr. Gonzalez-Franco. “Technology has unprecedented power to bridge inequity when designed with intention and humanity at the center. As a mother who reads to my children every night, I understand how transformative access to diverse stories can be to shape new perspectives.”
“Ariel and Mar bring exactly the expertise we need at this pivotal moment,” said Rachel Klausner, Board Chair. “Ariel’s understanding of behavioral science behind family engagement and Mar’s vision for technology that builds stronger societies will drive our next phase of growth.”
Worldreader CEO Rebecca Chandler Leege said that the experience of the two new board members will be especially important as the organization continues to advance its proprietary BookSmart app to measure school readiness and family cohesion.
“Their combined expertise in behavioral change and human-centered innovation will be invaluable as we reach more families with the power of reading,” said Leege. “Both understand that sustainable change requires addressing the ‘what’ and the ‘how’—quality content plus the behaviors and systems that turn access into lasting impact.”
About Worldreader
Worldreader gets families reading. Through its free BookSmart app, any family can access thousands of high-quality, culturally relevant digital books in five languages, along with simple tools and tips for parents to support children’s learning. Since 2010, Worldreader has reached more than 22 million readers across the globe. Learn more at www.worldreader.org.
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