Young Professionals Group

Our Young Professionals Group (YPG) is a member-based organization comprised of more than 125 community-minded individuals who are committed to Read. Lead. Serve. the next generation. Through service and social events and signature literacy initiatives, such as Barbara’s Book Boxes, they are building a cross-sector volunteer network to bridge the gap in access to resources in high-need schools and neighborhoods.

Story of Impact

Young Professionals Group members built and transformed New Hope Housing libraries across campuses!

Join the Young Professionals Group

Network with like-minded young professionals and make a difference in our community through childhood literacy.

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Member Spotlight

Meet Casaundra Johnson

Meet Casaundra Johnson, a passionate member of the Barbara Bush Young Professionals Group and an Assistant Principal with Harmony Public Schools. Casaundra has continually worked to make a positive impact through her commitment to literacy and education, with a lifelong dedication to volunteering that began in her church community. Fun fact: Casaundra is archived in the Library of Congress—twice!

For Casaundra, literacy represents more than just a skill; it’s a gateway to understanding, growth, and opportunity. Her experience as a reading interventionist, English language arts instructional coach, and current assistant principal has given her unique insight into the transformative power of literacy.

Story of Impact

Young Professionals Group built book nooks for Lantrip Elementary classrooms.

What people are saying…

"What I enjoy most about the YPG is the opportunity to combine service, leadership, and community impact in a meaningful way. As an educator, literacy is a cause that is deeply personal to me, and it is rewarding to work alongside passionate young professionals who are committed to helping children and families build a stronger future through reading."

— Dr. Casaundra Johnson, YPG Social Co-Chair

“My favorite part of volunteering with Barbara Bush is filling the book boxes. One time my wife and I were busy filling a box that had been emptied, and a family drove up. Their child stood waiting for us to finish refilling the box. We paused and told him to go ahead and get his book. He was excited to see all of the new books. When he chose the one he wanted, he took his book and ran over to his family's car so excited. It was really nice to see what an impact providing books can have for a person.”

— Jack Anjier, YPG Membership Co-Chair