John Wood co-founded Room to Read in 2001 after being inspired on a trip to a remote Himalayan village. Room to Read is a non-profit organization that operates in 10 countries in Asia and Africa focusing on increasing literacy and gender equality in education. It has established over 12,500 libraries, published 10 million books, built over 1,500 schools, and supported more than 13,500 girls to graduate secondary school. In total, Room to Read has impacted the lives of 6 million children. John strives to bring corporate discipline to the non-profit sector to effectively achieve Room to Read's mission.

2. John Wood was born in January 1964,
in Hartford, Connecticut, where he spent
his early childhood. His family later settled
in Athens, Pennsylvania, where he
attended high school. He holds a
bachelor's degree from the University of
Colorado, and a master's degree in
business administration from the Kellogg
Graduate School of
Management at Northwestern University.
From 1991-1999, John Wood worked as
an executive for Microsoft

3. History and impact
In 1998, John took a vacation
that changed his life. Trekking
through a remote Himalayan
village, he struck up a
conversation with a
schoolteacher, who invited
John to visit his school.
Discovered that the few books
available were so precious.
What started with a simple
email requesting friends donate
used books has grown into
Room to Read, an award-
winning non-profit

4. Room to read
Wood officially co-founded Room to
Read in 2001. Currently operating in ten
countries throughout Asia and Africa.
The organization focuses on
increasing literacy and gender equality in
education in developing countries.
Its programs develop literacy skills and a
habit of reading among primary school
children, and support girls to complete
secondary school with the relevant life
skills to succeed in school and beyond.

5. History and impact.
Room to read, an award winning non-
profit
Established over 12,500 libraries
donated and published 10 million books
built over 1,500 schools
supported more than 13,500 girls so they
can graduate from secondary school with
the skills they need to succeed
In total, Room to Read has impacted the
lives of 6 million children.

6. History and Impact
John strives to bring the lessons of the
corporate world to the non-profit
sector. Room to Read combines his
passion with the discipline of a well-
run global company. He has been
described by Fast Company Magazine
as "all heart, all business."

7. Sources
http://www.leavingmicrosoftbook.com/
author.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Woo
d_(Room_to_Read)
Group members: Ng Jun Han , Ng yi jie
,