Crossing the divide, book by book

Books Beyond Barriers aims to address critical gaps in the American education and prison systems. By supplying access to books, we hope to, in a small way, address the educational injustices plaguing different racial and ethnic groups across America.

Read the research
Read the research
Join our team
Join our team

Our Team

Sophia Wong

Co-Founder

Sophia Wong is a junior at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, California. After noticing widespread educational inequality in her city, she founded Books Beyond Barriers, a student-led initiative expanding access to diverse literature. Additionally, she represents over 1.7 million youth on the LA City Youth Council, where she has planned citywide resource fairs and a youth expo to help connect youth to resources.  Having been personally impacted by gun violence, Sophia founded the Los Angeles chapter of Students Demand Action, leading efforts to reduce gun violence and civically engage youth across California. 

Co-Founder

Bodhi Milano

Passionate high school student, researcher, and teen founder with a humanistic approach to all endeavors. Expertise in leadership, communication, project management, grant writing, academic research, and website design. Student advisory council member for Challenge Success, as well as an advocate for education (1,500+ people impacted by self-started organizations) and human rights. Curious, kind, empathetic, and collaborative, with a tireless work ethic.

Advisory Board

  • Ahmanise Sanati

    AD61 Democratic Delegate and Mental Health Clinician

    Ahmanise bio here…….

  • Debbie Weismann

    SALES MANAGER

    Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.

  • Eleanor Parks

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.

  • Karl Holland

    CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

    Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.