Franceen Obeng

Founding Member of Royal Readers

Franceen is the founding member of Royal Readers. The reading bug bit her at the age of four — and it never let go. As a child, she would read aloud to her siblings and cousins, captivating them with stories that sparked imagination and wonder. She discovered early on how books could unlock boundless imagination — from thrilling tales of adventure to the myths of ancient Greece and Rome. She is currently pursuing her master’s in biomedical sciences. When she’s not studying, she enjoys experimenting with culinary creations, exploring music, and diving into topics in psychology.

In Franceen’s own words, “Reading has been one of the greatest gifts in my life – it opened my mind, shaped who I am, and inspired me to make a difference.”

Charles (CJ) Osei Duro

Member of Royal Readers

CJ’s love of reading was practically born in the womb. With a father who was an avid reader as a child, it seemed destined that CJ would follow in his footsteps. CJ enjoys sports, including soccer, basketball, and football. Growing up, he balanced his love for sports with a growing passion for books. Surrounded by his cousins, who also valued reading, he also grew to explore new worlds through the wonder of books. CJ is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

CJ in his own words, “Every young person deserves access to books to learn, to dream, and to reach their full potential.”

Nethan Obeng

Member of Royal Readers

Nathan has always been fascinated about the literary world: poetry, history, the historical arts. His college entrance essay was inspired by Caspar David Friedrich’s Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog.” He used the art piece as a mirror for his own journey in learning and discovery. Nathan was also bitten by the reading bug as a child. He even tried a hand at writing a book to share with his siblings when he was 10.

Nathan is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

In Nathan’s own words, “Through books, we develop empathy, as we walk in the shoes of characters from different backgrounds and experience.”

Janice Obeng

Member of Royal Readers

From her earliest years, Janice was always surrounded by books. She grew up listening to her siblings read aloud, and before long, she joined them with books of her own. Although Janice’s childhood was filled with extracurricular activities, such as swimming Tae Kwon do, soccer, dance, piano, and band, reading was always her go-to hobby. When Janice is not reading, she loves to do Pilates, dance, play the clarinet and piano and spend time doing video editing. Now a senior in high school, she is ready to see where her love of reading will take her. Janice dreams of becoming a dentist when she grows up.

Janice in her own words, “Let your curiosity guide you. Be bold. Ask Questions. Follow what excites you…”

Christine Obeng

Member of Royal Readers

Christine is the last, but not the least member of Royal Readers. Christine is a proud big sister, and she takes that role to heart. She loves reading with her younger brother Jeremy, playing with him, and helping him experience the world through her eyes. Christine loves to read herself – exploring new worlds through books. When she is not playing with Jeremy or reading, she is spending time with friends, baking, or playing lacrosse. Christine is a junior in High School, ready to step into new worlds and opportunities.

Christine in her own words, “Reading has transformed the way I experience life. Every book is a doorway into a new world, filled with powerful ideas and fresh perspectives.”