“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”

– acqueline Kennedy Onassis

Kelly Washington

Early Childhood Education & Program Operations Leader

Kelly Washington is an educator at heart. Although she began her professional career in corporate account management, she soon realized that her greatest fulfillment came from community-centered work and public service. After serving with AmeriCorps in Washington, D.C., supporting underserved youth, and working in the front office of a public high school, she found her passion in early childhood education.

Having worked with learners ranging from toddlers to young adults, Kelly has seen firsthand that literacy is a critical foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and long-term educational and social success. Through her work in early childhood education and literacy intervention, she has witnessed how equitable access to high-quality educational experiences, caring educators, and family support can profoundly shape a child's future. 

Both of Kelly’s parents are Philadelphia natives, graduates of Philadelphia public schools (shout out to Girls High and Central), and first-generation college students. Though her grandparents did not attend college, they filled their home with books, read to Kelly’s parents, and nurtured their intellectual curiosity. Her grandparents instilled a love of reading in her mom and dad, who, in turn, passed down that same love of reading to Kelly. 

Having recently returned home to the Philadelphia area after 17 years in the DMV, Kelly is thrilled to serve on the Achieve Now Board to help ensure students not only learn to read, but grow to love reading. She looks forward to contributing her experience in early childhood education, literacy, and program leadership to help more Philadelphia children develop the skills, confidence, and joy that come from becoming lifelong readers.